A routine traffic stop escalated into a heart-pounding police pursuit on the Central Coast when a learner driver allegedly fled from officers with a baby onboard, reaching dangerous speeds of 140km/h through suburban streets.
The Dramatic Pursuit Unfolds
The incident began on Monday afternoon when police attempted to pull over a white Hyundai Tucson on Cutler Drive in Wadalba. Instead of complying, the 25-year-old male driver, who held only a learner's licence, allegedly accelerated away, sparking a high-speed chase that would span multiple suburbs.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror as the SUV weaved through traffic at nearly double the speed limit, with police vehicles in hot pursuit. The chase continued through residential areas of Kanwal and Wyong, putting other motorists and pedestrians at significant risk.
Innocent Child Passenger Adds to Danger
Most alarmingly, authorities discovered an infant was travelling in the vehicle throughout the entire dangerous pursuit. The presence of the young child elevated the seriousness of the offences and added to the potential tragedy that could have unfolded.
"The decision to flee from police at high speeds is reckless enough, but to do so with a vulnerable child in the vehicle is utterly unconscionable," a police spokesperson later stated.
Dramatic Conclusion and Multiple Charges
The pursuit reached its climax when police successfully deployed road spikes, deflating the Hyundai's tyres and bringing the dangerous situation to a controlled end. The driver was immediately taken into custody without further incident.
The 25-year-old man now faces a string of serious charges including:
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously
- Driving a vehicle with a child not properly restrained
- Driving while licence suspended
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h
Community Safety Concerns
Local residents expressed shock and relief that the incident concluded without serious injury. "We heard the sirens and saw cars flying past at unbelievable speeds," one Kanwal resident recounted. "The thought that there was a baby in that car is just horrifying."
The child was fortunately unharmed during the ordeal and was properly cared for following the arrest. The man has been refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Wyong Local Court, where the full consequences of his alleged actions will be determined.
