A man and teenage boy will face court today charged following an alleged pursuit with police in the Newcastle region yesterday.
Officers attached to Operation Soteria commenced an investigation after a break-in at a home in Sea Scape Drive, Redhead, on Sunday 25 October 2026, where a handbag, car keys and a Mercedes station wagon were stolen.
About 9am yesterday (Monday 26 October 2026), officers attended a Kotara shopping centre after receiving information the stolen Mercedes was there.
Officers observed the Mercedes in the carpark and approached the vehicle, attempting to remove the driver and passenger.
The man allegedly drove in reverse, causing the car door to hit an officer, and crashed into a police car.
The officer sustained minor injuries and did not require further medical treatment.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle, however, the man allegedly failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated before being terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
A short time later, police were called to Hill Street, North Lambton, following reports of a car fire.
Fire and Rescue attended and extinguished the blaze, and the Mercedes was seized for forensic examination.
Following inquiries, officers attended a home on Station Street, Wickham, about 3.30pm, and arrested a 41-year-old man. He was taken to Newcastle Police Station.
About 4.20pm, officers attended a motel on Newcastle Road, Jesmond, and arrested a 16-year-old boy. He was taken to Waratah Police Station.
The man was charged with eight offences:
• police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
• use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention,
• aggravated damage motor vehicle by fire/explosion,
• drive conveyance taken without consent of owner,
• drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (two counts),
• dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, and
• Not give particulars to other driver.
The teen was charged with 13 offences:
• police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly,
• aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence,
• enter building/land with intent commit indictable offence (three counts),
• face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence,
• dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception,
• damage property by fire/explosion,
• drive conveyance taken without consent of owner (two counts),
• be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner,
• learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester, and
• breach of bail.
Both were refused bail with the man to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Tuesday 27 October 2026) and the teenager to appear before a children’s court today (Tuesday 27 October 2026).
