The driver of a B-double – laden with an estimated-50 tonnes of freight – has been arrested following a pursuit of almost 70km along Pacific Highway on the North Coast.
Just after 8pm (Saturday 16 February 2019), police began receiving multiple calls to Triple Zero (000) reporting that a heavy vehicle with no headlights was being driven erratically northbound on the Pacific Highway, swerving between lanes and running over guard posts.
Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Highway Patrol intercepted the B-double at Glenugie, about 20km south of Grafton, and directed the driver to stop; however, police allege the driver instead attempted to run the highway patrol vehicle off the road after a pursuit was initiated.
Highway Patrol officers followed the vehicle north along the highway to the Grafton township, where a caged police truck was positioned to stop southbound vehicles as a precaution.
Police will allege the driver of the B-double side-swiped the police truck as it was driven through the town; the truck crew were not in the vehicle at the time.
The pursuit continued through the town and a further 50km north before the driver stopped on the Mororo Bridge at Chatsworth Island.
Police allege the driver resisted attempts to remove him from the cabin before he was taken into custody.
The 48-year-old driver, from Nerang in Queensland, was taken to Grafton Base Hospital for mandatory testing, and due to concerns he was allegedly under the influence of illicit drugs.
He has been kept in hospital for observation due to concerns for his health.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police are requesting that anyone who witnessed, or has dashcam vision of, the incident contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
