Sebastopol man charged after wild pursuit ends in Wendouree

A dramatic police pursuit through Ballarat streets has ended with a man in custody after a stolen vehicle was brought to a forced stop in Wendouree.

Police first spotted the white Toyota Prado in Canadian around 9.15am on Monday, 8 December. The vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Camberwell in late September and was displaying false number plates, was allegedly driving dangerously through Redan, Ballarat and Wendouree.

With support from the Air Wing, officers tracked the car as it sped through 60km/h zones at more than 90km/h, mounted footpaths and median strips, drove against traffic, and forced pedestrians to dodge out of the way.

Stop sticks deployed in Redan punctured the tyres, but the car continued for over 40 minutes on its rims, police said.

The pursuit ended just after midday when police rammed the Toyota on Gillies Street near Howitt Street in Wendouree to prevent further danger to the community.

A 35-year-old Sebastopol man was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with a string of offences.

These include seven counts of recklessly exposing an emergency services worker, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving while being pursued, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, possession of methylamphetamine, failing to answer bail, unlicensed driving and other related charges.

No one was injured during the incident.

The man was remanded to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 9 December.

Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.