Three nabbed after two police chases

Two men and a woman have been charged following two separate police pursuits in the Lake Macquarie area on Thursday, January 16.

Officers from the Lake Macquarie Police Proactive Crime Team attempted to stop a silver Ford sedan at Morisset at about 4.40pm.

A police pursuit began when the driver of the vehicle refused to stop.

The chase continued through Wyee to the Pacific Hwy, where the silver Ford collided with another vehicle.

The driver of that vehicle was not injured.

Two people ran from the silver Ford into bushland and two people – including the alleged driver – a man aged 26, and a woman passenger, aged 29 – were later located and arrested by police.

A search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of copper wiring, which police suspected was the proceeds of a recent break and enter at a telecommunications facility at Dora Creek.

A short time later, following inquiries, police went to a house on the Pacific Hwy at Doyalson, where they saw a 39-year-old man.

The man jumped into a black Suzuki sedan.

Police attempted to the stop the vehicle and when it did not stop, a pursuit was initiated.

Police pursued the vehicle until it was successfully road-spiked at Crangan Bay, where shortly after, it crashed into trees and the driver ran off into bushland.

He was arrested a short time later.

All three were taken to Belmont Police Station, where they were charged with multiple offences.

The 26-year-old man was charged with eight offences: Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously; Drive whilst disqualified; Enter enclosed lands without lawful excuse; Throw object at vehicle – risk safety, hinder police; Possess prohibited drug (two counts); and Not give particulars.

He was also charged in relation to three outstanding warrants linked to more than 30 offences dating back to 2021, and was refused bail to appear in Belmont Local Court.

The 29-year-old woman was charged with two drug-related offences.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court.

The 39-year-old man was charged with 26 offences, including: seven counts of Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously in relation to a string of pursuits over the past few weeks; the alleged theft of a motor vehicle and caravan from Dora Creek; and the alleged theft of batteries and copper cabling from a telecommunications facility at Dora Creek on Saturday, January 4.

He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court.