Two men will face court today charged following an alleged pursuit near Byron Bay yesterday morning.
About 11.30am (Wednesday 27 May 2026), police were called to a primary school in Byron Bay following reports two e-bikes had been allegedly stolen.
At the scene, police attached to Tweed-Byron Police District were told two men had allegedly loaded two e-bikes into a van before driving from the scene.
Police commenced a patrol of the area and attempted to stop a van nearby, with inquiries revealing that the van had allegedly been stolen in Queensland.
When the driver of the van allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.
Police will allege in court that the occupants of the van threw projectiles – including a fuel drum and power tools – at a police vehicle during the pursuit.
The pursuit continued to Tyagarah where the van was stopped, and two occupants ran from the vehicle.
The alleged driver – a 38-year-old man – was arrested a short time later, while his passenger – a man aged 34 – was arrested following an extensive search of the area. Both men were taken to Byron Bay Police Station.
The older man was charged with 11 offences,
- Larceny value greater than $2,000 and less than or equal to $5,000 (two counts)
- Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen
- Receive etc property stolen outside NSW (less than or equal to $2,000)
- Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed (two counts)
- Use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously
- Intentionally throw object at vehicle/vessel risk safety
- Class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45 km/h - Estimated, and
- Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.
The younger man was charged with four offences,
- Larceny value greater than $2,000 and less than or equal to $5,000 (two counts)
- Intentionally throw object at vehicle/vessel risk safety, and
- Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.
Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Thursday 28 May 2026).
The two bikes were recovered in bushland on St Helena Road at McLeods Shoot. The bikes have since been returned to the two students at the school.
