MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING POLICE PURSUIT THROUGH SEVERAL NORTHERN RIVERS SUBURBS
A man has been arrested after he allegedly stole a number of cars and led police on a pursuit through several Northern Rivers suburbs.
Shortly before 10.15am, police were notified after a white Mitsubishi Mirage was stolen near a shopping centre on Kerr Street, Ballina.
Officers located the car and initiated a pursuit which was terminated a short time later due to the dangerous manner of driving.
About 10 minutes later, the Mitsubishi was abandoned.
The driver then allegedly attempted to carjack a second vehicle before stealing a nearby Kia Rio.
Police will allege a man drove the Kia Rio in an erratic and dangerous manner for two hours through several suburbs, including Ballina, Alstonville, Goonellabah and Lismore.
It is further alleged the driver continued onto the wrong side of the road and drove onto the footpath in the path of pedestrians at several occasions.
It’s understood the vehicle was involved in numerous minor collisions during this two-hour period – there are no reports of injuries to members of the public.
A number of pursuits were initiated and road spikes deployed by officers from Richmond Police District and the Traffic and Highway Patrol, before the Kia was located abandoned and crashed into a fence at Ravenswood Drive, Goonellabah.
Officers from Richmond Police District and the Police Dog Unit established a perimeter to locate the driver.
About 12.40pm, officers located and arrested a man on Bellara Court while he was allegedly attempting to steal two other cars.
He is currently at Lismore Police Station where he is expected to be charged with serious driving offences.
As police continue their inquiries, officers are urging anyone who may have mobile phone vision or dashcam footage to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
