A Queanbeyan man allegedly tried to hide in an ACT river in the early hours of Friday morning after leading officers on two pursuits and attempting to ram a police motorcycle.
Members of the public were forced to "take evasive action" as Michael Seymour reached speeds of up to 140km/h in an 80km/h zone while trying to evade capture, the ACT Magistrates Court heard later in the day.
In a statement, ACT Policing said officers had tried to stop the 28-year-old's silver Ford Falcon in Holt about 12.30am.
Mr Seymour allegedly drove away at speed, pursued by police along Southern Cross Drive.
In a second chase on Coulter Drive a short time later, he allegedly drove at an officer.
"On both occasions, police determined it was unsafe to continue a pursuit," the statement said.
Officers say the Falcon finally came to a stop on Parkes Way, near the Glenloch Interchange, when it crashed into a guard rail about 12.50am.
Mr Seymour is accused of trying to dodge arrest following the crash by running into the Molonglo River, only to be apprehended when he returned to dry land.
After a trip to hospital for a medical assessment, he was hauled before court on two charges of failing to stop for police, two counts of driving at police, and one count each of aggravated driving and driving while disqualified.
The 28-year-old, from Karabar, did not apply for bail or enter pleas during a brief appearance.
Magistrate Bernadette Boss remanded Mr Seymour in custody to appear in court again on November 13.
Police said they were investigating some property found inside the Ford Falcon, and further charges were expected upon completion of forensic testing.
