The car chase has generated much conversation around town. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
A man has been arrested in Griffith after a dramatic police chase in which a car seen driving on the wrong side of the road was later found after crashing into a tree.
Witnesses have told Region that the chase was “like in the movies” and that bystanders were lucky not to have been seriously injured.
Detective Sergeant Colleen Hayden said it occurred on Saturday (12 April), when police observed a 28-year-old male in Marcus street, Griffith, driving a green Holden Commodore sedan.
As police followed the vehicle, it was seen to harshly accelerate away from the officer. The rear of the Commodore was moving sideways, causing it to cross over to the incorrect side of the road.
The Commodore continued to Blumer Avenue, travelling at speeds well in excess of 50 km/h, zigzagging and both undertaking and overtaking vehicles, attempting to flee from police.
The vehicle was pursued through East Griffith, where, at the intersection of Macarthur and Boonah streets, it mounted a small roundabout as the driver navigated the intersection at high speed.
The car was again observed to travel sideways before mounting a gutter and striking a signpost, damaging both the vehicle and the signpost. Police stopped following the car due to the dangerous driving.
The car was later found in Wyanagan Ave after it had struck a tree next to the Griffith Tennis Club. It also went over a treated pine barrier along Danny Piccoli Park, destroying the barrier and further damaging the car. The vehicle stopped in Binguie Street, Griffith.
The driver was located in Parkinson Crescent, Griffith. He was arrested and issued with a court attendance notice.
