Four teenagers face charges related to a series of driving and property offences after a police pursuit near Newcastle earlier this week.
The incident began on the night of Monday, 20 May 2024, when a Hyundai Kona was reported stolen from Wallsend. By 2 a.m. on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, police responded to reports of attempted break-ins in the Fletcher and Maryland areas, where the stolen vehicle was spotted.
Police attempted to stop the Hyundai Kona on Griffiths Road, Lambton, but the vehicle allegedly failed to comply, prompting a pursuit through Jesmond to Elermore Vale. The pursuit ended when the vehicle was abandoned on Ring Road, Callaghan, and several individuals were seen fleeing towards the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
Following a police investigation, four males—three aged 16 and one aged 18—were arrested in Shortland and taken to Waratah Police Station.
One 16-year-old was charged with aggravated break and enter, wearing a disguise with intent, being carried in a conveyance without consent, and breaching bail. Another 16-year-old faced similar charges minus the bail breach. Both were denied bail and will appear in children’s court on Monday, 27 May 2024.
The third 16-year-old was charged with affray and being carried in a conveyance without consent. He was granted bail under strict conditions and will appear in children’s court on Tuesday, 11 June 2024.
The 18-year-old was charged with being carried in a conveyance without consent and was refused bail. He is set to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.