Police are searching for a high-performance vehicle after it was stolen at gunpoint then involved in multiple pursuits across Sydney this evening, NSW Police say.
Police from Northern Beaches Local Area Command have been told a 30-year-old man had advertised his Audi R8 for sale and arranged to meet a prospective buyer outside a service station in Sydney Road, Balgowlah.
The two met at 6pm today, as arranged, and were driving together along Castle Circuit, Seaforth, when the passenger produced a handgun and threatened the owner.
The owner was hit with the handgun, sustaining a cut over his left eye; the man forced the owner from the car – a white Audi R8 sedan with NSW registration DCL 86X – and drove away.
The owner alerted police and a description of the vehicle was broadcast.
It was seen a short time later on Military Road at Mosman where a pursuit was initiated. Police followed the vehicle south into the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, before it was driven around the Woolloomooloo area, then driven north back through the Harbour Tunnel.
The vehicle was followed through the Lane Cove Tunnel onto the M2 where it diverted onto Pennant Hills Road at Beecroft.
Police were forced to terminate the pursuits several times due to the high-risk behaviour of the driver. Several cars have been damaged in minor collisions with the stolen vehicle and a police car rammed.
The owner was taken to Manly Police Station where he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Police have been told the man is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance with a thin build, possibly aged in his early 20s. His hair is shaved at the sides and is long on top. At the time he was wearing a long, black leather jacket, black shirt and pants and white sneakers. The man was armed with a handgun.
Police are urging anyone who sees this man, or the vehicle, NOT to approach it but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Police are urging anyone with information on the incident to call Crime Stoppers.
