Lake Macquarie police arrest teen after SUV chase and highway crash

A police pursuit in the Lake Macquarie Police District ended in a highway crash after a stolen Honda SUV collided with another vehicle on the Pacific Highway. Following the collision, a 16-year-old driver allegedly fled the scene on foot, dropping a machete during the attempt to evade officers. He was apprehended approximately 500 metres away.

During a search of the stolen vehicle, police seized two grams of methamphetamine, gloves, a balaclava, and stolen number plates. The teenager faces eight charges, including driving a stolen vehicle, negligent driving, drug possession, and using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention. He has been refused bail.

An 18-year-old female passenger was also arrested at the scene and charged with drug possession and travelling in a stolen vehicle. She has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Belmont Local Court on October 14.