On Sunday, January 2, at 5pm Richmond Highway Patrol police officers were travelling on the motorway at Newrybar when they spotted a white Mazda ute speeding.
A police check revealed the ute had allegedly been stolen from a home at Old Bar the previous day.
The driver failed to stop as directed by police and a pursuit began leading to Evans Head but was terminated a short time later because of the manner of driving of the ute.
A second pursuit was made before road spikes were successfully deployed at the Woodburn-Evans Head Rd at Woodburn.
When the ute stopped, all four occupants fled the scene on foot, before the driver and the front seat passenger were arrested.
The remaining two passengers were found a short time later and arrested at Woodburn.
All four occupants were taken to Lismore Police Station.
The 17 year old driver was charged with police pursuit, driving dangerously, exceeding the speed limit over 45km/h, being an unaccompanied learner, not display L plates, driving without consent of the owner and a breach of bail. His learner’s licence was suspended.
The passengers, a 19-year-old man and two 15-year-old boys were charged with being carried in conveyance without consent of the owner. One of the teenage boys was also charged with shoplifting.
All three boys were refused bail to appear at a children’s court today, January 3.
The man appeared at Lismore Local Court today where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday, January 10.
