Three teenagers have been charged after a dramatic high-speed pursuit from Queensland involving a police helicopter stopped their vehicle at Ballina overnight.
Police say that shortly after 11pm yesterday (Friday), NSW Police were advised by their colleagues in Queensland POLAIR that a stolen vehicle they were monitoring was approaching the border.
Several vehicles were positioned to stop the Holden Captiva however it was estimated to be travelling south at 180kph in the 100kph zone and due to safety concerns the pursuit was not continued.
Police monitored the vehicle and the pursuit was re-engaged near Ewingsdale Road at Byron Bay.
Other officers were able to deploy a tyre deflation device which punctured the Holden’s front offside tyre.
When the vehicle crossed to the wrong side of the Pacific Highway at low speed, the pursuit was again terminated.
The vehicle eventually stopped on Tamarind Drive at Ballina where the three occupants left the vehicle and hid in bushland.
After a lengthy search of the area, a 15-year-old male and two females aged 16 and 18 were arrested with the assistance of Polair and a dog squad unit.
They were conveyed to Ballina police station where the boy was later charged with not stopping during a police pursuit, driving dangerously, driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, unlicensed driving and receiving property stolen outside NSW.
Both females were also charged with being carried in a conveyance.
All were refused bail with the the young male and the 17-year-old woman to appear at a Children’s Court, while the 18-year-old woman is set to appear at Ballina Bail Court today.
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