Two men have been charged and a third remains outstanding following a police pursuit in the state's far south west.
About 10.10am yesterday (Monday 26 August 2019), officers attached to Barrier Police District received reports that occupants of a Ford falcon sedan failed to pay for fuel at a service station on Patton Street at Broken Hill.
Police commenced inquiries into the matter and conducted patrols of the Silver City Highway, 20km north of Wentworth.
The vehicle was observed travelling south and allegedly failed to stop when directed to by police.
Officers engaged in a pursuit and deployed road spikes approximately 6km from Wentworth which damaged the vehicle's tyre; however, it continued towards the township and the pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.
Witnesses told police the car travelled through an intersection and over a levy bank, causing the vehicle to become airborne and enter the Darling River. The three occupants were observed exiting the vehicle before it sank.
Police arrived a short time later and allegedly located the driver, aged 19, swimming across the river.
A second man, aged 21, was apprehended at a nearby house boat.
The two men were arrested and taken to Dareton Police Station where they were charged with multiple offences.
The 19-year-old man of Dareton was charged with take and drive conveyance, never licence, fail to pay and police pursuit.
The 21-year-old man of Mildura was charged with be carried in conveyance and fail to pay.
They were refused bail to appear before Broken Hill Local Court today (Tuesday 27 August 2019).
The third man remains outstanding.
Investigations 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.
