Dramatic Police Chase Across Lake Macquarie
A 31-year-old man is facing multiple serious charges after an alleged police pursuit that spanned several Lake Macquarie suburbs on Wednesday evening. The incident began when officers on proactive patrols spotted a suspicious vehicle in Windale.
The Pursuit Unfolds
At approximately 7:20pm on November 12, Lake Macquarie police officers conducting routine patrols in the Windale area identified a Toyota Hilux displaying allegedly stolen number plates. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver reportedly failed to comply, triggering a pursuit that would extend across multiple suburbs.
The chase continued through Mount Hutton, Windale, Belmont and Marks Point before police made the decision to terminate the pursuit for safety reasons. However, the situation escalated when the vehicle was spotted again shortly afterward on Caves Beach Road.
Vehicle Found Abandoned
Police resumed the pursuit but ultimately lost sight of the Toyota Hilux. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Brigantine Place, Caves Beach. Subsequent investigations revealed that both the vehicle and its number plates had been stolen earlier from a residential property in Caves Beach.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a residence on Alexander Avenue in Caves Beach at approximately 11:15pm, where they located and arrested the 31-year-old suspect. During the arrest, officers confirmed that capsicum spray was deployed to safely apprehend the man.
Multiple Charges Laid
The accused was transported to Belmont Police Station where he was formally charged with eight separate offences. The charges include:
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly
- Aggravated break and enter dwelling
- Steal motor vehicle
- Larceny
The man was refused bail and scheduled to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday, November 13. The swift police response and subsequent arrest demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive patrols in combating vehicle-related crime across the Lake Macquarie region.
