An Aberdare man was hit with nine charges and refused bail after leading police on multiple pursuits through the Hunter Valley.
Police allege the man is responsible for a break and enter at a rural property in Ellalong on Thursday sometime between 9am and 6pm.
Several items were stolen - including four firearms, a black Dodge Ram utility and a white Audi A4.
After commencing investigations that day, officers from Hunter Valley Police patrolling Old Maitland Road at Cessnock observed the stolen white Audi A4 about 11.55pm.
Police engaged in a pursuit which travelled through several Cessnock streets - allegedly reaching speeds of 180km/h in a sign-posted 80km/h zone - before the pursuit was terminated due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was then sighted about 1.10am Friday in Abermain and a second pursuit was initiated.
The Audi travelled through Abermain, Weston and Kurri Kurri, before the pursuit was terminated again.
About 1.50am, officers found the vehicle abandoned in Adams Street, Heddon Greta.
The Dog Unit and PolAir were called in and the 21-year-old man was arrested without incident a short time later.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with nine offences, including:
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly,
- Break and enter house steal value $60,000,
- Drive while disqualified,
- Drive recklessly/furiously/speed/manner dangerous,
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner,
- Possess/use prohibited weapon,
- Possess unauthorised firearm,
- Use, supply etc stolen firearm or firearm part, and
- Possess housebreaking implements.
He was refused bail and was due to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Friday.
Investigations into the break and enter at Ellalong are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to come forward.
