Four teenagers have been charged after allegedly stealing a car and leading police on a dangerous pursuit across the Hunter Region yesterday.
Police say a stolen Mazda SUV was first reported driving erratically along the Pacific Highway at Tomago around 6am Sunday, with passengers allegedly throwing items at other motorists.
Maitland Highway Patrol officers began searching for the vehicle and spotted it a short time later travelling through Hexham around 8am.
When police directed the driver to stop, the SUV allegedly failed to comply — sparking a pursuit that reached speeds of 180 kilometres an hour in a 60 zone near Hexham Bridge.
The Mazda struck a concrete barrier but continued before coming to a stop at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road, where four 15-year-olds allegedly tried to run from the scene.
Police arrested the group and took them to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
The alleged driver was charged with multiple offences, including police pursuit, reckless driving, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 kilometres per hour, and breach of bail.
The three passengers were charged with being carried in a stolen vehicle, and one was also charged with breach of bail.
All four were refused bail and are due to appear before Children’s Court today (Monday 27 October 2025).
