A man has been charged after a Mercedes was stolen from outside a Hamilton South home while the owners were inside and allegedly driven erratically around Newcastle.
The 2018 Mercedes was stolen after the owner stopped outside their residence in Turnbull Street about 6pm Tuesday and left the keys in the vehicle while they went inside for a short time.
About 11:45am Wednesday Northern Region Police attached to Operation Utah claim to have seen the Mercedes driving erratically in Bull Street, Mayfield. Police allege the male driver was using a mobile phone whilst driving.
The Mercedes travelled west on Bull Street and was followed by police to Cross Street, Mayfield.
Police caught up to the vehicle which had stopped behind a stationary garbage truck.
Police stopped behind the Mercedes and officers exited their car to arrest the driver. The driveris then alleged to have accelerated, mounting the footpath, before colliding with the garbage truck and a second stationary vehicle.
The vehicle then collided with a retaining wall where it became lodged, according to police.
The driver allegedly got out of the Mercedes and ran, however, was quickly arrested by police who chased on foot. Whilst being detained, police will allege the man resisted officers' attempts to arrest him.
The 30-year-old male from Parklea, who it is alleged had been disqualified from driving until November 2021, was taken to Waratah Police station.
He was later taken to hospital for minor injuries sustained in the crash and then discharged where he was charged with eight offences including drive in a manner dangerous, drive whilst disqualified, goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, negligent driving, resist officer in the execution of duty, drive using mobile phone and steal motor vehicle.
He was refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
