New England Highway police chase
A MAN remained in custody late yesterday after leading police on a 20-minute vehicle pursuit, which allegedly reached speeds of up to 145km/h along the New England Highway.
About 4.45pm, the man was allegedly detected by radar at speeds of 145km/h in a 100km/h zone near the Kentucky Rd turnoff.
Police had tried to pull the man over but he sped off and a pursuit began just south of Uralla.
He was the only person in the car, reported to be a ’96 model Suzuki Swift sedan.
The man continued to head north towards Uralla with a New England highway patrol officer’s car following close behind, with sirens blaring.
The man proceeded to enter a 50km/h zone in Uralla, still allegedly travelling at 105km/h.
He then drove down the town’s main street, a busy pedestrian area, at 90km/h.
He continued heading north towards Armidale and police were given authorisation to lay road spikes.
The man approached the roundabout just after the Armidale airport and ran over the spikes a short distance later.
Police reported that his tyres were punctured and smoke was coming from the car as it slowed.
Soon after, the man pulled over at a parking bay and police arrested him just after 5pm.