newy.com.au – A 16-year-old boy has been refused bail after allegedly driving a stolen SUV during a Lake Macquarie police pursuit that ended in a crash on the Pacific Highway.
The boy faced a children’s court on Monday, 28 September 2026, on eight charges and was remanded in custody to appear again on October 6. An 18-year-old woman who was a passenger in the SUV has also been charged.
Police said the Honda SUV was reported stolen from a home on Frederick Street, Dudley, about 3.30pm on Sunday. Officers located it on Callemonda Close, Jewells, shortly after 4pm.
The driver allegedly failed to stop when Lake Macquarie Police District officers tried to pull him over. Police pursued the SUV along Dalrymple Street and onto the Pacific Highway, where it crashed into another vehicle.
Police allege the driver got out of the SUV, dropped a machete and ran from the scene. He was arrested after a foot pursuit about 500 metres from the crash and taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard for assessment.
Officers found and seized 2g of methamphetamine, gloves, stolen number plates and a balaclava during a search of the SUV, police said.
The boy’s charges include driving a vehicle taken without its owner’s consent, driving while never licensed, using an unauthorised number plate, negligent driving and failing to stop when directed. He is also charged with using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited drug.
The woman was arrested at the crash scene and taken to Belmont Police Station, where she was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and being carried in a vehicle taken without the owner’s consent.
She was granted conditional bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on October 14. Police inquiries are continuing.
