By JESSE GRAHAM
A POLICE chase through Coldstream last week has left a Healesville man minus his car and facing numerous charges for traffic offences in court.
A 21-year-old Healesville man was arrested by Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable, Matt Lutwhyche, after an incident around 11am on Tuesday 22 July.
Leading Sen Const Lutwhyche was conducting laser speed tests along Killara Road in the morning, when the Healesville man was clocked travelling at 127 km/h in the 80 km/h speed zone.
When Leading Sen Const Lutwhyche stepped onto the road to direct the driver to pull over, however, he allegedly swerved around and sped off.
The police officer jumped into his car to give chase, and, shortly afterwards, the driver lost control on a gravel road when turning left into Lauriston Drive.
The driver’s car smashed into a tree, and he immediately jumped out and ran away, but it wasn’t long before he was chased down by Leading Sen Const Lutwhyche.
Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Graeme Rust said the man gave up, and was taken to Lilydale police station where he was charged.
The man, who had existing warrants out for his arrest, had fake number plates on his car. He will front the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 11 November, charged with evading police, excessive speed, having fraudulent number plates on his car and other traffic offences.
Though his car was travelling at over 45 kilometres over the speed limit, which can result in impoundment under hoon legislation, his car was taken to a tow yard with extensive damage.
