Two men have been charged following a pursuit in the state's Riverina region.
Just before 2pm yesterday (Tuesday 13 January 2024), officers attached to Riverina Police District attempted to stop a reportedly stolen ute on Jenkins Street, Wagga Wagga.
When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, and terminated later due to safety concerns after it collided with two police vehicles.
The ute was tracked to Leavenworth Drive, Mount Austin, where the driver abandoned the ute and entered a black sedan which was tracked to Willang Street, Glenfield Park, before three occupants exited the vehicle.
Police discharged a Taser to effect the arrest of a 23-year-old man.
A 16-year-old boy was located nearby.
A 23-year-old man allegedly ran from the scene and forced entry to a home on Willang Street, Glenfield Park, while a woman and small child were inside; he was arrested by police while attempting to steal a vehicle from the garage of the home.
During a search of the sedan police located and seized two firearms and ammunition, while illicit drugs and cash were located on one of the men.
Both 23-year-old men were taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and treated for minor injuries, before they were released and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station.
A 23-year-old man was charged with:
- Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Aggravated break and enter with intent – knowing person there
- Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty
He was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 14 February 2024).
The other 23-year-old man was charged with:
- Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
- Drive conveyance without consent of owner
- Police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed
- Receive property stolen outside NSW value greater than $15,000
- Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Supply prohibited drug > indictable and
- Deal with property proceeds of crime greater than $100,000
He was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 14 February 2024).
The 16-year-old was released after assisting police with enquiries.
Inquiries into the incident are ongoing; anyone with information into the incident is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
