A man has been refused bail after police linked him to two dramatic pursuits through Tamworth in as many days, during which officers allege vehicles were driven dangerously, fences were damaged and motorists were put at risk.
The first incident unfolded about 11.15am on Wednesday 10 June when officers attached to the Western Region Operations Support Group attempted to stop a black Ford sedan on Manilla Road at Oxley Vale.
Police allege the vehicle was being driven dangerously and that the driver was wearing a balaclava.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.
A short time later, the vehicle crashed into a fence on Marius Street in Tamworth.
A 38-year-old woman was arrested at the scene, while another occupant allegedly fled on foot.
Police searched the vehicle and the woman, allegedly locating a vial of liquid, a black machete and a mobile phone. Investigators later found a black glove and balaclava nearby.
The woman was taken to Tamworth Police Station before being released pending further inquiries.
Less than 30 hours later, police were again involved in a pursuit of a vehicle allegedly being driven by a man wearing a balaclava.
About 3.20pm on Thursday 11 June, officers attached to Oxley Police District attempted to stop a silver utility on Holland Street, South Tamworth, after it was allegedly seen being driven dangerously.
Police allege the driver failed to stop, sparking a second pursuit through the city.
During the chase, officers will allege the utility struck several fences and was driven into the path of oncoming traffic before being abandoned in a park near Kurrawan Street.
The occupants fled on foot, but following inquiries police arrested a 27-year-old man nearby.
Police allege the man was also involved in the pursuit the previous day.
He was taken to Tamworth Police Station and charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, driving while disqualified, destroying or damaging property valued at more than $15,000, and failing to provide particulars to the owner of damaged property.
The 27-year-old was also arrested on an outstanding warrant relating to domestic violence matters.
He was refused bail and will appear before Bail Division Court 5 on Friday 12 June.
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