Two men have been charged over alleged property and traffic offences following a pursuit in the Riverina region yesterday.
About 7.30am (Wednesday 4 August 2021), two men were travelling in a white Ford Falcon utility, when an off-duty police officer allegedly saw one of the men stealing items from a charity bin on Lampe Street, Talbingo.
When approached, the pair fled in the vehicle.
Officers attached to Riverina Police District were notified and saw the utility on West Blowering Road, before entering Bago State Forest.
Police continued to patrol the area, until it was observed again on West Blowering Road.
The driver allegedly failed to stop for police and continued at speed to the top of Blowering Dam Wall.
The two occupants fled on foot, before they were both arrested following a short foot pursuit.
The driver, a 45-year-old man, was taken to Tumut District Hospital for mandatory testing.
During a search of the vehicle, police located items believed to have been stolen from the charity bin, as well as property alleged to have been stolen from break and enter offences in Talbingo late last month.
The driver was released from hospital and taken to Tumut Police Station where he was charged with 13 offences, including failing to provide samples, property offences, and two outstanding warrants.
He was refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Thursday 5 August 2021).
His passenger, a 37-year-old man, was also taken to Tumut Police Station and charged with larceny and goods in custody.
He was issued a Court Attendance Notice to appear in Tumut Local Court on Monday 23 August 2021.
Inquiries are continuing.
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.
