A man will face court, charged following an alleged pursuit in the Hunter Valley this morning.
About 5.30am (Wednesday 15 July 2026), Traffic and Highway Patrol officers were conducting speed enforcement on the Hunter Expressway at Branxton when they detected an alleged stolen vehicle travelling at 178km/h in a signposted 110km/h zone.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued to the Minmi Road roundabout where the vehicle collided with another vehicle, causing the second vehicle to roll. No injuries were reported.
The driver allegedly ran from the scene into nearby bushland.
With the assistance of the Dog Unit, a 39-year-old man was arrested a short time later and taken to Toronto Police Station.
He was charged with five offences,
- Class A motor vehicle exceed speed > 45 km/h - Estimated
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed
- Licence expired within the last 2 years
- Not give particulars to other driver, and
- Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.
The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Wednesday 15 July 2026).
Police will allege the vehicle was stolen from Tamworth overnight.
