Five teenagers have been arrested and two charged following a pursuit in the Hunter Valley region yesterday.
About 7.30am (Saturday 3 August 2024), police were called to New England Highway, Branxton, following reports two vehicles were allegedly driving in a dangerous manner at a rest stop off the highway.
Checks revealed the vehicles were allegedly stolen.
On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District located a white Toyota sedan well alight. Officers attempted to stop the second vehicle – a black Nissan SUV – before a pursuit was initiated.
Fire and Rescue NSW officers attended and extinguished the fire.
The pursuit continued north along the New England Highway; however, was terminated due to safety concerns.
Following inquiries, about 8.25am, police located the SUV unattended on Thomas Mitchell Drive, Muswellbrook.
A perimeter was established and officers commenced a search of the surrounding area, with assistance from PolAir and the Dog Squad.
A short time later, police located and arrested five teenage boys – one aged 16, two aged 15 and two aged 14 – and they were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
Two boys – aged 16 and 15 – were charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner
They were granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Wednesday 28 August 2024.
The other three teenagers were released with a formal caution.