A man is under police guard in hospital after a pursuit and high-risk incident in Wollongong, NSW Police say.
About 8.50pm yesterday (Sunday 18 March 2018), a dog squad vehicle attempted to stop a Ford Falcon, which was observed without number plates travelling north on Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail.
The vehicle had also been reported speeding and veering between traffic.
The vehicle failed to stop for police and a pursuit was initiated, which continued north, entering the Wollongong CBD.
The vehicle stopped a short distance from the Wollongong Hospital Emergency Department.
The driver, a 43-year-old man, allegedly armed himself with a knife and doused the interior of the car, as well as himself, in petrol.
Police commenced attempts to negotiate with the man. During the operation the man rammed three police vehicles and performed a ‘burnout’.
The reception area of the emergency ward of the hospital was evacuated during the operation.
About 10.20pm State Protection Group officers took the man into custody, during which he sustained minor injuries.
He remains in Wollongong Hospital for treatment under police guard.
Once released, he is expected to be charged with offences relating to the police pursuit, damage to the police vehicles, as well as use weapon to avoid apprehension.
