POLICE were forced to deploy road spikes to stop a vehicle officers had pursued through more than half a dozen suburbs in Newcastle's west and north on Saturday.
The long pursuit began in Merewether about 2.25am, when officers from Newcastle City Police District observed a black Mazda sedan they suspected to be stolen at a serviced station on Glebe Road.
Officers approached two men, both 23, inside the service station, but a third man, who was sitting inside the Mazda, drove from the scene.
Officers searched the two men and allegedly found more than $9000 in cash and ammunition on one of the men. Both were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.
Meanwhile, other officers pursued the Mazda through a string of suburbs, including Birmingham Gardens, Waratah, Jesmond, Heatherbrae, Raymond Terrace and Williamtown.
Officers eventually deployed road spikes on Tourle Street in Mayfield West that caused vehicle's tyres to deflate.
The car continued until it crashed into a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Tourle Street and Industrial Drive.
The 23-year-old driver left the vehicle and was pursued on foot before being arrested in the backyard of a home on Groongale Street.
Officers located and seized two bags dropped near the scene allegedly containing a number of pills, mobile phones, gloves and a knife.
The driver was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing before being taken to Newcastle Police Station.
Officers also allegedly found a .22 rifle in the Mazda. It was seized and will be forensically examined.
The driver was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.
A second man was charged with possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
A third man was charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner and custody of knife in public place.
All three were refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Sunday.
