A man who was allegedly driving erratically in a stolen car near Winchelsea was charged after running out of fuel on Princes Freeway yesterday.
Police spotted the allegedly stolen silver Ford Falcon sedan travelling east on Princes Highway in Terang about 4.50pm on Monday 27 October.
They attempted to intercept the vehicle on Camperdown-Darlington Road in Camperdown, but it allegedly took off at speed.
A short time later, Highway Patrol officers detected the Ford in Larpent and followed it for a short distance.
It allegedly took off again at speed towards Colac, narrowly missing other vehicles and driving in the emergency lanes.
Police thought they’d lost the car, until the Ford turned into a service station on Warner Street, Winchelsea about 5.35pm.
The male driver got out of the vehicle for a few seconds but soon changed his mind about getting fuel when he saw a police van behind him.
He got back into the car and allegedly fled at speed on the wrong side of the road.
The Ford turned back onto Princes Highway and headed east towards Geelong.
No lights, sirens, assistance from Air Wing or stop sticks were required at this point, as the driver came to a stop a short time later when he ran out of fuel.
The 39-year-old Warrnambool man was arrested at the scene and taken into custody.
He was charged with: theft of motor vehicle; theft; failing to stop on police direction; conduct endangering life; commit indictable offence whilst on bail; contravene a bail condition by driving a motor vehicle; and driving while disqualified.
The man was remanded to appear at Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court today.
The Ford Falcon was allegedly stolen from Panmure.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
