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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Driver charged over alleged pursuit south of Ballina

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About 10.50am yesterday (Tuesday 3 February 2026), officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling on Pacific Highway, near Shark Creek, approximately 15km southwest of Ballina, when they located a Holden sedan.

Initial checks revealed the Holden was allegedly stolen from a home in Booval, Queensland, on Saturday 6 December 2025 and involved in a pursuit on Sunday 18 January 2026 in Blayney area.

Police directed the driver to stop; however, when they allegedly failed to do so a pursuit was initiated, with assistance from officers attached to Richmond Police District.

The pursuit continued through the Coolgardie area, with road spikes being successfully deployed on Coolgardie Road.

A short time later, the sedan stopped on the northbound lane of Pacific Highway and the alleged driver – a 41-year-old man – was arrested.

He was taken to Ballina Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (two counts), drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, part of body outside window or door – driver, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, receive property stolen outside NSW, and refuse to produce Australian Drivers licence/state name/ address.

The man was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 1 today (Wednesday 4 February 2026).



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