Four teens face multiple charges after allegedly stealing an SUV and leading police on a dangerous pursuit across the Hunter region yesterday.
Police initially received a report at about 6am on Sunday, October 26, that a stolen Mazda SUV was driving dangerously on the Pacific Highway at Tomago.
Passengers of the vehicle were reportedly throwing items at other drivers.
Maitland Highway Patrol officers located the Mazda travelling on the Pacific Highway near Hexham at about 8am.
Police ordered the vehicle to stop, but when the driver allegedly failed to comply, a pursuit was immediately initiated.
The chase continued toward Hexham Bridge, with the Mazda allegedly reaching speeds of 180 kilometres in a clearly signposted 60 kilometre zone.
As the pursuit reached the bridge, the SUV collided with a concrete barrier.
The pursuit ended at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road, where the SUV finally halted.
All four teens fled the vehicle on foot but were quickly apprehended by police and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.
The alleged driver, a 15-year-old boy, faces serious charges including police pursuit, driving recklessly, stealing and driving the conveyance without consent, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 kilometres and breach of bail.
The three other teens, all aged 15, were charged with being carried in a stolen conveyance, with one of the boys also charged with breach of bail.
All four teens were refused bail to appear before the children's court today.