Police have been told a 35-year-old woman, a 36-year-old man and two children – aged 9 and 11 – were leaving a home on Dunkley Road, Mount Hutton, about 9pm (Wednesday 9 February 2022), when a 33-year-old man – who is known to them – entered a Toyota Prado and began following their vehicle, allegedly driving dangerously.
They were followed to Waratah Police Station where, shortly before 11pm, they reported the incident. The driver of the SUV allegedly continued to drive in an erratic manner outside the police station and in nearby streets.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver allegedly ignored the police direction and drove off at speed along Georgetown Road, Waratah.
Several pursuits were initiated through nearby streets but all were terminated due to the dangerous manner of driving.
It is further alleged the man continued through a number of Newcastle suburbs, hitting multiple parked vehicles, including one at the intersection of Centenary Road and Merewether Street, and a power pole on King Street.
About 11.40pm, the driver of the SUV attempted to overtake a tram travelling east on Scott Street, when the vehicle mounted a concrete median strip and became stuck.
Police approached the vehicle and – as they attempted to arrest the driver – a struggle ensued with officers deploying OC spray.
A 33-year-old man was taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment to minor injuries before being charged with six offences including drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV), police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, and hinder police in execution of duty.
He remains under police guard in hospital and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court via a bedside hearing later today.