An L-plater has been charged after allegedly doing a burnout in front of police before sparking a dangerous chase with officers — all with an 11-month-old baby strapped in the back seat.
Police allege the 17-year-old boy did a burnout in the suburbs of Shellharbour, about 100km south of Sydney, about 7.30pm on Monday night.
The dangerous manouvre was spotted by NSW Police patrolling Flinders, before the car allegedly sped off, sparking a police chase during which a toolbox was allegedly thrown out a car window at officers.
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Charges suggest the teenage boy behind the wheel was a learner driver, who allegedly did not have his L-plates displayed as police tried to stop the Holden Commodore on Shellharbour Rd at Shell Cove.
The chase continued through local streets towards Berkeley, and road spikes were unsuccessfully deployed.
Police then temporarily called off the pursuit on Northcliff Dr because of their concerns about the alleged manner of driving.
The chase started up again after the Commodore was seen turning onto the Princes Hwy and heading north from Unanderra.
That is when the passenger of the car “has allegedly thrown a toolbox from the vehicle towards officers,” NSW Police said.
“The vehicle continued along Mount Kembla Mountain, before it began to billow smoke, stopping on Harry Graham Dr at Mount Kiera.”
“The driver, a 17-year-old boy, and a 20-year-old female passenger were arrested.”
When police arrived at the car they discovered an 11-month child strapped into the backseat, uninjured.
The child was taken to Wollongong Hospital as a precaution, and left in the care of a family member.
The driver was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with police pursuit — not stop — drive at speed, police pursuit — not stop — drive recklessly, drive without proper control of vehicle.
He was also charged with learner not accompanied and learner driver not display L-plates as prescribed, and was refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Tuesday.
The female passenger was issued a court attendance notice for throw missile at police officer executing duty, and is due to appear in court at a later date.
The Department of Communities and Justice have been notified.