Two police officers escaped serious injury after their stationary fully-marked vehicle was struck by a car being pursued near Newcastle.
Traffic & Highway Patrol Command officers were patrolling Nelson Bay Road, Bobs Farm, shortly before 12.50am yesterday (Sunday 15 September 2019), as part of Operation Northern Roads, when they saw a Toyota Corolla travelling in excess of the speed limit.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver of the vehicle failed to comply with directions and a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle was followed through Williamtown and Tomago towards Hexham, where road spikes were successfully deployed north of the Hexham Bridge.
The vehicle continued across the bridge and hit the Newcastle Highway Patrol vehicle as the driver turned right onto the New England Highway.
Two officers sustained soft tissue injuries when the airbags activated.
The Corolla stopped nearby after driving into a chain-wire fence and three people were arrested.
They were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where the driver was charged with:
• Police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
• Drive while licence cancelled
• Possess prohibited drug (Methamphetamine), and
• Not give particulars to other driver.
Police also executed four outstanding warrants relating to offences including assault, damage property, fraud, contravene AVO, reckless wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 19-year-old Cessnock man was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 16 September 2019).
The officers were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
