A MANHUNT is underway to find the driver who led police on a pursuit and crashed a stolen car into tree before running off in Armidale.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 1.05am yesterday, Armidale police were patrolling Erskine St when they spotted a blue Hyundai Excel turn left into Niagara St.
The vehicle, which had been the subject of a “keep a lookout” by police on Sunday after it was reported stolen, sped off from officers when they tried to pull it over under lights.
Armidale Inspector Chris McKinnon said a pursuit was quickly initiated through several local streets.
“The vehicle travelled at in excess of the speed limit, before turning right into Glen Innes Rd for about 100m and then left the road, travelled down an embankment and collided with a tree,” he said.
“Police observed a male not further described running from the vehicle.”
Back up for police was called but the man could not be located, and officers believe he might not have been alone.
“When they reached the vehicle, a front and passenger door were wide open,” Inspector McKinnon said.
“Police believe there was more than one person in the vehicle at the time.”
The vehicle was secured and towed for forensic examination as investigators try and find who was inside.
Inspector McKinnon said although the vehicle had crashed during the
pursuit, there was no suggestion police had done anything wrong.
“Police have tried to stop a stolen vehicle and apprehend the occupants inside,” he said.
The vehicle was the subject of an earlier police encounter on Sunday after officers tried to stop the Hyundai Excel on Donnelly St.
About 4.50pm, Armidale police were contacted by a member of the public with suspicions a car was being targeted by offenders on Donnelly St,
When police arrived at the scene shortly after, a Blue Hyundai Excel was stopped in the middle of the road.
The police car stopped behind the vehicle but it drove off at speed and officers lost sight of it shortly after.
“Police then returned to the original location and observed a second Excel vehicle with a broken window,” Inspector McKinnon said.
Checks revealed that vehicle had also been reported stolen.
Investigations are continuing but anyone with information on who was behind the wheel of the stolen Hyundai Excel, or who might have seen offenders running from the scene, is urged to contact Armidale police on 6771 0699.
