High-Speed Chase Through Newcastle Ends in Arrest and Court Appearance

27 March 2025

Video above was posted by u/-wanderings- on reddit.

Updated Friday at 2:35pm

newy.com.au – A 45-year-old man has faced Newcastle Local Court today, Friday, 28 March 2025, after a wild police pursuit through several suburbs resulted in a string of serious charges. The man, who was arrested on Thursday, 27 March 2025, has been refused bail and is accused of leading officers on a high-speed chase while behind the wheel of a stolen Kia Rio hatchback.

He has been charged with 18 offences:

Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously
Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
Drive recklessly, furiously or speed/manner dangerous
Driver motor vehicle during disqualification period
Negligent driving
Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed
Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty
Fail to stop and assist after impact causing injury
Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen
Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (two counts)
Not give particulars to other driver (six counts)

Police say the incident began around 12.35pm on Thursday when officers on patrol attempted to stop the Kia on Denison Street, Hamilton. The vehicle had reportedly been stolen from Tighes Hill. The driver allegedly failed to comply with police directions, prompting the pursuit.

The chase moved through Mayfield, where the driver is accused of clipping the mirror of an SUV and side-swiping a sedan. Witnesses say the vehicle was driven erratically and dangerously. Cathy, who was having lunch at a café in Mayfield, said: “He came screaming along the road, wrong side of the road, not stopping at any red lights. Then came back through a second time coming out of Havelock Street cutting off a car stopped at lights and headed back towards Newey.”

Another witness messaged Newy 87.8 FM’s Facebook page, stating: “Was insane, almost hit me when he went into oncoming traffic on Maitland Road near the Hubbard Street turn-off.”

The pursuit continued into Newcastle West, where another vehicle was reportedly side-swiped. Police called off the chase shortly after due to safety concerns. However, minutes later, the Kia was involved in another collision on Stuart Avenue, Hamilton East, allegedly hitting an SUV and causing it to crash into a second vehicle.

The driver reportedly didn’t stop and continued on before crashing into another car and fleeing the scene on foot. Michelle, a nearby resident, posted on social media: “I saw the car travelling up the tram tracks on the wrong side of Hunter Street. Then came down the wrong side of King Street heading towards Stewart Avenue. So dangerous. I hope no innocent people are injured.” Others online claimed multiple cars were hit, and one unconfirmed report suggested an elderly woman may have been struck.

The man was arrested on Corona Street following a foot chase and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged. Police confirmed that none of the other drivers involved required medical treatment.

Authorities are appealing to anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the official website. Information can be given anonymously.