By Luke Voogt
Police are hunting for a male driver following a high-speed pursuit across the Surf Coast and a manhunt in the Geelong CBD this morning.
A police helicopter was patrolling Geelong on a separate matter about 9.30am when it spotted a burgundy sedan driving south at speed on the Surf Coast Highway in Belmont.
Highway Patrol units attempted to intercept the sedan but it evaded police, Acting Senior Sergeant Jane Boyd said.
“Once the vehicle evaded police, we no longer continued to follow it. The Police Air Wing was able to follow it at a distance.“
The car travelled south on Surf Coast Highway before doing a U-turn at Beach Road and driving back to Geelong.
The police helicopter continued to track the sedan until it reached the Geelong CBD.
Facebook users reported a burgundy sedan driving erratically on the Surf Coast Highway and “in and out of traffic” just before 10am.
The Indy saw a burgundy sedan overtake stationary traffic before running a red light at Moorabool and Molap streets just after 10am.
The car sped off south down Moorabool Street and crossed to the right-hand side, driving about 100 metres on the wrong side of the road.
The offender turned right onto Brougham Street before entering the underground car park at Westfield Shopping Centre before abandoning the sedan, police spokesperson Jessica Brennan said.
Police cordoned off the area and members patrolled on foot before locating the vehicle.
Police continued to search for the offender, Ms Brennan said.
They urged anyone with information or witnesses phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
