Nine people, including eight teenagers, have been arrested following a police pursuit in the Hunter region today.
About 11.15am (Wednesday 28 July 2021), officers attached to Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol observed a Honda Civic allegedly travelling at speed southbound on the Hunter Expressway.
A pursuit was initiated at Church Street, Minmi, with the vehicle allegedly reaching speeds of 120km/hr in a sign-posted 90km/hr zone.
Officers terminated the pursuit at Metcalfe Street, Wallsend, due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was subsequently sighted by several police vehicles across Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police Districts, before being abandoned at Arthur Street, Cardiff, shortly after midday.
A perimeter was established by officers from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, assisted by PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Police Transport Command.
Nine people were arrested, including a 19-year-old woman and eight teenagers – aged between 13 and 17.
All nine have been taken to Belmont Police Station where inquiries are continuing.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, praised the efforts and collaboration between neighbouring police districts and specialist resources.
"While this incident occurred across various locations, it demonstrates the great team work between all our police officers, regardless of district boundaries – we are one team protecting the people of the Hunter," Supt Sullivan.
As inquiries continue, police will also be investigating any alleged breaches of the current Public Health Order.
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.
