Learner driver accused of leading police on chase with baby in car

Baby in car as woman charged after police pursuit in Swansea

A woman has been charged after an alleged pursuit through multiple suburbs that ended in Swansea this afternoon — with police alleging a baby was inside the car at the time.

Around 12.10pm today (Tuesday 30 September 2025), officers patrolling the M1 Motorway at Somersby attempted to stop a Volkswagen sedan. When the driver failed to pull over, a pursuit was initiated.

The chase continued through the Tuggerah Interchange, Doyalson, Lake Munmorah, Moonee and Pinny Beach before reaching Swansea. Police say the sedan clipped another vehicle while turning onto Lake Road before speeding north on the Pacific Highway. No injuries were reported.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle with road spikes twice — near Swansea Bridge and later at Pelican — but the driver allegedly swerved to avoid them.

The Volkswagen was later found abandoned on Moorilla Close, Windale. Police arrested five people nearby, including the alleged driver.

The 19-year-old woman was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with several offences including reckless driving, failing to stop, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h as a learner, and carrying unrestrained passengers.

She was refused bail and will appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Wednesday 1 October 2025).

Police will allege a 10-month-old baby was in the vehicle during the pursuit.

The four other passengers were released without charge.