A dramatic police confrontation unfolded on the Princes Highway in Illawarra, culminating in officers deploying a Taser on a 26-year-old man and arresting two individuals after a tense pursuit.
The incident began when police attempted to stop a vehicle travelling south on the Princes Highway near Wollongong around 3:30 PM on Tuesday. According to witnesses, the driver refused to pull over, sparking a chase that continued for several kilometres before the vehicle was successfully stopped.
Confrontation Escalates on Highway
"Police attempted to speak with the occupants when the vehicle eventually stopped," a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed. "However, the situation quickly escalated when a 26-year-old male passenger became aggressive and confrontational toward officers."
Witnesses reported seeing multiple police vehicles surrounding the car as officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. The confrontation reached its peak when the man allegedly advanced toward police in a threatening manner, prompting an officer to deploy a Taser to subdue him.
Two Facing Multiple Charges
The 26-year-old man was subsequently arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station. He now faces multiple charges including:
- Resisting arrest
- Assaulting police officers
- Possession of suspected stolen property
The 28-year-old driver was also arrested at the scene and charged with police pursuit-related offences, driving while disqualified, and possession of suspected stolen items.
Traffic Disruption and Police Investigation
The incident caused significant traffic delays on the Princes Highway as police secured the scene and conducted their investigation. Southbound lanes were partially blocked for approximately two hours while forensic officers examined the vehicle.
Both accused individuals were refused bail and are scheduled to appear in Wollongong Local Court. Police have indicated their investigation is ongoing and are appealing for any witnesses who may have captured footage of the incident to come forward.
This latest confrontation highlights the challenging situations police officers regularly face on Illawarra roads and serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to comply with police directions.
