A 33-year-old Corio man is facing serious charges after allegedly leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase through Geelong suburbs, reaching terrifying speeds of 150 kilometres per hour in residential areas.
The dramatic police pursuit
The incident began around 8:30 pm on Wednesday, May 22, when police attempted to intercept a vehicle on Shannon Avenue in Geelong West. According to Victoria Police, the driver failed to stop when directed and instead accelerated away from officers, sparking a pursuit that would span multiple suburbs.
The chase continued through Geelong West before moving into Herne Hill, with the driver allegedly reaching speeds of approximately 150km/h in areas with 50km/h speed limits. The dangerous driving put numerous lives at risk as the vehicle weaved through suburban streets at triple the legal speed limit.
The arrest and charges
Police successfully deployed stop sticks to deflate the vehicle's tyres, bringing the dangerous situation to a controlled conclusion. The driver, a Corio resident, was arrested at the scene without further incident.
The 33-year-old man now faces multiple serious charges including dangerous driving, speeding, failing to stop on police direction, and driving while disqualified. He was also subjected to a mandatory drug test, which returned a positive preliminary result for cannabis.
Police response and community impact
A Victoria Police spokesperson expressed concern about the driver's reckless behaviour, noting that such high speeds in residential areas could have resulted in tragedy. "Reaching 150km/h in a 50km/h zone shows complete disregard for community safety," the spokesperson stated.
Local residents expressed shock upon learning about the incident, with several noting the proximity to homes and the potential for catastrophic consequences. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by disqualified drivers who continue to operate vehicles illegally.
The accused man has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before Geelong Magistrates' Court at a later date to answer to the charges. Police investigations into the matter continue as they gather additional evidence.
