Air Wing swoops on Bendigo car chase

Bendigo police have arrested two men after the Air Wing tracked an allegedly stolen vehicle across multiple suburbs of Greater Bendigo on Wednesday night.

The black 2022 Toyota Corolla was first spotted by divisional van members on patrol in York Street about 7.45pm on 25 February.

When officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, the driver allegedly sped off and failed to stop.

The Air Wing, which was already operating in Bendigo overnight, monitored the vehicle from above as it travelled through Kennington, White Hills, Epsom, Eaglehawk and Long Gully.

Local police units coordinated on the ground and moved in after one of the occupants was dropped off in Daniel Street, Long Gully.

The 22-year-old man was allegedly seen entering a home in Albert Street before officers cordoned off the area and took him into custody.

The vehicle, which police allege was stolen from Castlemaine on 18 February, was later found dumped in York Street.

A 45-year-old Inglewood man, believed to have abandoned the car nearby, was arrested shortly afterwards.

The older man has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, affixing stolen registration plates, driving while disqualified, dangerous driving while pursued by police, driving in a manner dangerous, driving at a speed dangerous, exceeding the speed limit and drug driving.

The 22-year-old Bendigo man has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, dangerous driving while pursued by police, failing to stop on police direction, driving at a speed dangerous, disobeying a traffic control signal, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct causing serious injury and handling stolen goods.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear before Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on 26 February.