Four teens charged following alleged car theft and pursuit

FOUR teens have been charged after allegedly stealing a car and fleeing from police.

About 6am on Sunday 26 October police received a report that a stolen Mazda SUV had been driving dangerously on the Pacific Highway, Tomago, with reports passengers were throwing items at other drivers.

Officers attached to Maitland Highway Patrol attended and began patrolling the area searching for the vehicle.

During this search police located the Mazda travelling on the Pacific Highway, Hexham, about 8am the same day.

Police directed the vehicle to stop, with a pursuit initiated when the driver allegedly failed to do so. The pursuit continued along the highway towards Hexham Bridge, Hexham, with the Mazda allegedly reaching speeds of 180km/h in a signposted 60km/h zone.

As the pursuit reached the bridge the SUV collided with a concrete barrier; however, it continued along the highway before stopping at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road.

Four teens exited the vehicle and attempted to run from the scene; however, police arrested the group before taking them to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The alleged driver – a 15-year-old boy – was charged with “police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly”, “drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous”, “take & drive conveyance w/o consent of owner”, “class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45 km/h”, and “breach of bail”.

The other three teens – all aged 15 – were charged with “be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner”, with one boy also being charged with “breach of bail”.

All four teens were refused bail to appear before children’s court on Monday.