A man is under police guard in hospital following a dramatic five-hour crime spree along the New South Wales South Coast, where he is accused of deliberately ramming his unregistered four-wheel-drive into numerous other vehicles.
A Dangerous Morning on the Princes Highway
The incident began in the early hours of Thursday, January 15, 2026. Around 6:30am, police received the first of multiple triple-zero calls reporting dangerous driving. As officers responded, the situation escalated rapidly.
A NSW Police spokesperson said a station wagon was struck by a vehicle matching the description of the SUV in question, which was then seen heading south towards Batemans Bay. Further alarming reports indicated the vehicle was being driven on the wrong side of the road, creating a severe hazard for morning commuters.
Pursuit and Arrest in Batemans Bay
The crime spree continued for hours, with another reported collision in the Ulladulla area about 11:30am. Police allege the SUV struck a four-wheel-drive ute. When officers finally located the vehicle, the driver allegedly failed to stop, initiating a police pursuit.
The chase concluded at a business on the Princes Highway at Batemans Bay, where the man was arrested. He was assessed by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Batemans Bay Hospital for further evaluation. He remains there under police guard as investigations continue.
Licence Suspended Until 2032
Police checks revealed the driver held a Victorian driver's licence that had been suspended until 2032. As a result, NSW Police immediately revoked his driving privileges within the state. The lengthy suspension raises serious questions about the man's prior driving history.
Authorities are now piecing together the full sequence of events during the extended rampage. They have called for public assistance, urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who witnessed the incidents to come forward.
Investigators are asking witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
