Pursuit driver ‘on ice’
More than 20 charges over dramatic high-speed chase
A CORIO man is facing a string of serious charges after allegedly threatening three people with a firearm before leading police on a lengthy pursuit through the city’s northern suburbs while high on ice.
Nick Cross, 30, appeared in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday after spending the night in hospital under police guard.
It was alleged the father of three attended a Bell Park home about 8.30pm on Monday where he pulled a firearm out in front of three people, including two young children, forcing the trio to flee to safety at a neighbouring property.
Police attempted to pull over Mr Cross in a white Hyundai Accent soon after, but he fled through the streets of Corio to Geelong West with his headlights turned off.
Investigators said Mr Cross then allegedly committed a significant number of driving offences, including travelling on the wrong side of a number of streets.
Police allege Mr Cross was at times driving at more than 35km/h over the limit.
He also allegedly failed to stop at seven red light cameras across the city’s north and west before colliding with three other vehicles at the intersection of Melbourne Rd and Victoria St.
Police said the pursuit was then terminated. A short time later he was boxed in after driving along the footpath on Eagle Pde in Norlane to try to escape police.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Lauren Kells said it took a foot chase to apprehend him.
“Stop sticks were deployed and the driver dumped the vehicle in a reserve near Landale Court and fled on foot,” she said.
“He was arrested a short time later on Kingsley Drive where members were forced to deploy OC spray.”
Police allege stolen numberplates were located on the Hyundai.
They said Mr Cross was taken to Geelong hospital as a precaution.
Interviewed there, he allegedly admitted he had consumed the drug ice.
He has been charged with more than 20 offences, including driving while disqualified, reckless conduct endangering life and assault with a weapon.
Mr Cross was remanded to reappear in Geelong Magistrates’ Court on November 14.