An unlicensed driver will face court today charged over two alleged police pursuits through the Lake Macquarie region.
About 11.50pm yesterday (Friday 31 January 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were conducting proactive patrols in Chisholm, following reports a construction site in the area had been broken into several times between Monday (27 January 2020) and Thursday (30 January 2020).
During their patrols, officers pulled over a Holden Commodore SS utility and approached the vehicle to talk with the driver, when the utility allegedly sped off.
A police pursuit commenced through several suburbs – including Hexham, Charlestown, and Belmont – before it was terminated in Summerland Point – Gwandalan.
Just before 1am today (Saturday 1 February 2020), the utility was spotted again in Kanangra Road, Summerland Point – Gwandalan, and allegedly failed to stop for officers.
A second police pursuit commenced but was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
The utility was later found dumped in Murrays Beach. During a search of the vehicle, officers seized several items, including bolt cutters, screw drivers, hammers and gloves, to undergo forensic examination.
Following a search of nearby bushland, police arrested a 42-year-old Fern Bay man about 1.20am.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, never licensed person drive vehicle on road, possess prohibited drug, and possess housebreaking implements.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.
Investigations are continuing.
