NSW Police Force

01/31/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/30/2023 18:04

Man charged following pursuits - Wollongong PD

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Man charged following pursuits - Wollongong PD

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 11:00:04 AM

A man has been charged with multiple traffic and firearms offences following three pursuits within hours, involving multiple vehicles near Wollongong.

The incident began about 5.45pm on Sunday 29 (January 2023), when a man driving a black Subaru WRX sedan went to a home on Whitby Mews, Bellambi, and allegedly threatened a resident with a firearm.

Police have been told the man left in the sedan a short time later, along with a man in a white Toyota Hilux utility.

Officers attached to Wollongong Police District were notified and commenced inquiries.

Just before 6.40pm, officers from Lake Illawarra Highway Patrol saw the sedan in the Dapto area, and directed the driver to pull over, but he allegedly failed to do so.

A pursuit was initiated; however, terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.

About 11.15pm, police attempted to stop a white Toyota Corolla in the Towradgi area; however, the pursuit was again called off for safety reasons.

Then, just before 1am yesterday (Monday 30 January 2023), police commenced a pursuit of a black Subaru Impreza, in the Figtree area.

The vehicle was followed to Sussex Street, Berkeley, where police arrested two men, aged 25 and 18, inside a caravan.

A utility - allegedly matching the description of the earlier vehicle - was located in the backyard. A white crystalline substance, believed to be methylamphetamine, and cash was seized when the ute was searched.

Wollongong Police - with the assistance of Lake Illawarra Anti-theft and Raptor South officers - then executed a search warrant at the Sussex Street home, where they allegedly located cannabis, MDMA, methylamphetamine, prescription medication, cash, mobile phones and a gel blaster.

Both men were taken to Wollongong Police Station where the older man was charged with seven offences,

• Possess unauthorised firearm

• Armed with intent to commit indictable offence

• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal)

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period - second offence

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly - second offence (three counts).

He appeared in Wollongong Local Court yesterday (Monday 30 January 2023), where he was formally refused bail to reappear in the same court on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

Police will allege in court that the 25-year-old man was involved in all three pursuits.

The younger man was released pending further inquiries.

Investigations under Strike Force Doidge continue.

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