A MAN will face court today charged over allegedly crashing into a police vehicle at Fairy Meadow.

Wollongong police were conducting patrols in Fairy Meadow, following reports a Nissan Navara had been driving dangerously about 4pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 September 2023). It’s alleged the Navara then crashed into a marked police vehicle on Elliotts Road at Fairy Meadow.

The police officer was trapped in his car for a short period before being released by paramedics. He has been taken to Wollongong Hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the Navara allegedly fled the scene; however, he was arrested nearby by police after a foot pursuit.

The 23-year-old man has been taken to Wollongong Hospital, where he underwent mandatory testing, before being taken to Wollongong Police Station. He was charged with 26 offences, including:

• six counts of drive conveyance taken without consent of owner,
• six counts of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period,
• five counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
• five counts of drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous,
• not give particulars to other driver,
• predatory driving,
• use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and
• not give particulars to other driver.

The man was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today (Wednesday 6 September 2023).

The Fairy Meadow pursuit follows the arrest of a 54-year-old man on Monday who allegedly was involved in pursuits while driving a stolen car in the northern suburbs.

About 10am on Monday (4 September 2023), the man was arrested following inquiries into a pursuit at Corrimal the previous day. It’s alleged the Nissan Navara was also used in that pursuit.

The man was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with specially aggravated enter dwelling with intent to wound; police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously; and drive motor vehicle while disqualified. He was bail refused and appeared in Wollongong Local Court where he was remanded in custody to reappear on 1 November 2023.

Inquiries by Wollongong police into the alleged property crime offences continues.

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