Staff writers
Police arrested a man in Sale after he allegedly failed to stop and drove at high speeds in a stolen vehicle across the Latrobe Valley area this morning.
The Police Air Wing (helicopter) were flying to an incident in Pakenham when they observed a white BMX X5 allegedly weaving in and out of traffic at about 180km/h on the Princes Highway about 8.45am.
Officers on the ground attempted to intercept the vehicle in Nar Nar Goon, but the driver allegedly failed to stop and continued at a fast rate of speed.
The Police Airwing continued to follow the vehicle towards the Latrobe Valley area and alerted officers on the ground who deployed stop sticks in Traralgon and Rosedale however the driver continued on.
Police successfully deployed stop sticks in Foster Street, Sale and the vehicle came to a stop.
The male driver allegedly fled on foot and jumped over several property fences in an attempt to get away.
A foot chase ensued, before officers deployed a conducted-energy device and arrested the man without incident.
A subsequent search of the 30-year-old man located a firearm, a large amount of cash, drugs and suspected stolen jewellery.
The Longwarry man allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test and was taken to a police station where he is currently assisting with enquiries.
Further checks on the BMW X5 revealed it was stolen during a burglary in Burwood this morning.
The investigation remains ongoing, anyone who witnessed the incident or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
EARLIER:
A man has been arrested in Sale following a police pursuit which took in parts of the Latrobe Valley this morning.
Witnesses reported a white BMW X5 allegedly travelling at high speeds on the Princes Freeway between Morwell and Traralgon, before continuing east.
The man was apprehended by police around 10am at an address in Foster Street, Sale.
He has been taken to Morwell Police Station for questioning.
Police said the chase began in the south-eastern Melbourne suburbs, before the man allegedly sped through multiple areas and municipal areas.
A number of marked and unmarked police cars followed the BMW during the pursuit, while the police helicopter was also called in.
No injuries have been reported.
