A COVID-positive pair who allegedly left locked-down Illawarra in a stolen car and without a permit have been arrested in the Riverina and taken to Wagga Base Hospital.
Police said Riverina Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers tried to stop a sedan on the Hume Highway at Gundagai on Tuesday after checks revealed the vehicle was stolen.
A police pursuit along the highway ended when the vehicle drove through a paddock and crashed into a street sign near the Dog on the Tucker Box.
The 18-year-old male driver and his 16-year-old female passenger were arrested and taken to Gundagai Hospital for observation.
No-one was injured in the incident.
Police allegedly found three knives and number plates in the vehicle.
The Dapto man was charged with 14 offences, including driving offences, and was also charged with leaving Greater Sydney without a permit and not complying with COVID-19 directions.
The man was refused bail to appear at Goulburn Local Court next month.
Police said the girl would be dealt with under the Youth Offenders Act.
Police isolating, teens' movements traced
A number of police officers are isolating after the pair tested positive to COVID-19.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District said the teenagers were being cared for at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and contact tracing was underway to identify all contacts and venues of concern.
Three new exposure sites in Wagga Wagga have been reported this afternoon. K-mart and Aussie Disposals on Baylis Street and Bunnings on the corner of Dobney and Pearson street were affected on Sunday and Monday.
More exposure sites are expected to be reported.
