A man is in custody after a female traffic controller was hit by a stolen SUV near Newcastle on Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to Newcastle Road at Jesmond shortly before 2am on 24 July.
It’s understood the 21-year-old woman was allegedly struck by a silver Mercedes Benz SUV, which was being pursued by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.
Police initiated the pursuit only moments earlier when the vehicle – which had been reported stolen from Salt Ash – was witnessed travelling above the speed limit.
Officers immediately rendered assistance to the injured woman while the alleged driver of the stolen SUV was arrested after a being chased down on foot.
She was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she’s in a stable condition with pelvic injuries.
The 30-year-old man was escorted to Waratah Police Station.
During a subsequent search, police allegedly located and seized methamphetamine on him with an estimated potential street value of almost $2,000.
The Killingworth man was then charged with eight offences, including:
- Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuit
- Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous
- Cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously
- Possess prohibited drug, and
- Licence expired more than two years ago.
He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court.
Motorists were advised traffic in the area had been significantly impacted by the incident.
Inquiries are continuing.
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