UPDATE: A 23-year-old male driver has been arrested following a dramatic police pursuit reaching speeds of 170km/h on New Year’s Eve. The incident unfolded at 12:02 AM on January 1, 2026, as officers from the Mid North Coast Highway Patrol were conducting a routine patrol on Plummers Lane, Rainbow Reach.
Police report that the driver of a green Kia Rio was clocked at 127km/h in an 80km/h zone. When officers attempted to pull him over, he allegedly sped off, triggering a pursuit. Authorities claim he reached 150km/h in the 80km/h zone and then escalated to 170km/h in a 100km/h zone before the chase was terminated.
Road spikes were deployed successfully at Frederickton, leading to a brief continuation of the pursuit until the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. He was apprehended a short distance away.
A breath test conducted shortly after the arrest returned a positive result for alcohol, with a subsequent analysis at Kempsey Police Station indicating a high-range reading. Additionally, a drug test showed positive results for illicit substances.
The driver has been charged with serious offenses, including high-range drink driving, speeding, and driving in a dangerous manner. His provisional license, classified as Class C P1, has been immediately confiscated and suspended.
Authorities have confirmed that the man has been refused bail and is set to appear at the Kempsey Local Court on January 15.
This alarming incident highlights the ongoing issue of reckless driving, especially during celebratory times like New Year’s Eve. The community is urged to prioritize safety and responsible driving as the new year begins.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
