A man and woman have been charged following a pursuit in the Hunter Valley region.
Just after 1pm yesterday (Wednesday 14 February 2024), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting high visibility patrols in the Cessnock area, when they attempted to stop an allegedly stolen white Kia Picanto.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the vehicle came to a stop on O’Connors Road, Pokolbin, when the vehicle failed to negotiate a turn and hit a tree.
After a short foot pursuit, the driver and a passenger, a 26-year-old man and woman, were located uninjured and arrested nearby.
A second passenger, a 26-year-old woman, was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.
The man and woman were taken to Cessnock Police Station, where the driver was charged with the following ten offences,
– Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly
– Learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester
– Learner driver not display “L” plates as prescribed
– Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm)
– Drive conveyance taken w/o consent of owner
– Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse
– Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty
– Possess prohibited drug
– Fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury
– Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
She was bail refused to appear before Cessnock Local Court later today (Thursday 15 February 2024).
The male passenger was charged with be carried in conveyance taken w/o consent of owner, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty and enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 27 March 2024.
An investigation continues into the incident.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or . Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
