Three people have been arrested and remain under police guard in hospital following a two-vehicle crash on the state's central coast.
About 3.15pm (Thursday 3 January 2019), a 36-year old woman was driving a Mitsubishi Pajero on Wakefield Road, Ryhope, when she pulled over to the side of the road.
Whilst pulled over she was threatened by a man with an axe, who forced her from the car. The man, as well as another man and woman then entered the vehicle and drove from the scene.
About 3.30pm, police received several reports of a vehicle being driven erratically on the M1 near Warnervale.
A short pursuit was initiated but terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
Police located the vehicle at the intersection of Sparks Road and Minnesota Road, after it collided with another car.
The sole occupant of the second car sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Three offenders from the Pajero, including two men aged 32 and 20, and a 22-year-old woman, were arrested by police at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.
They remain in hospital under police guard.
Officers from Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie Police Districts established a crime scene and are investigating the incident.
Initial inquiries suggest that another vehicle, which was stolen from Queensland, was dumped on the M1 motorway at Ryhope by the offenders shortly before this incident.
Inquiries continue.
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.
