Driver allegedly fled police before serious crash that injured an innocent motorist in Adelaide’s CBD

A driver was allegedly fleeing police before a horror crash that injured an innocent motorist in the city overnight. Picture: 7 News

An innocent motorist suffered serious injuries after a driver allegedly fled police causing a crash in the city.

A police officer approached a Holden utility about 10.15pm Monday in Currie Street, but the vehicle accelerated away, travelling south on West Terrace, before crashing into the rear of a Mitsubishi Lancer.

The Lancer driver is The Advertiser’s Deputy Editor Ben Hyde, 34, who was heading home from work.

He suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Deputy Editor of The Advertiser and Sunday Mail Ben Hyde. Picture: Simon Cross

“Ben is a much loved and respected member of The Advertiser team and the thoughts of his friends and colleagues are with him while he recovers from his injuries,” a statement from his Advertiser team said.

“We would like to thank police, paramedics and Royal Adelaide Hospital medical staff for their quick response and care.”

Both drivers were sole occupants of the vehicles.

The driver of the ute, a Northfield man, 47, was also seriously injured and taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment.

Major Crash officers attended the scene.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens slammed the actions of the ute driver.

“This sort of driving activity creates a significant risk for the entire community – people who drive dangerously on our roads put every other road user at risk,” Mr Stevens said.

The driver of the ute was allegedly fleeing police at the time of the crash. Pictures: 7 News

A few hours earlier in a separate incident, a driver led police on a short pursuit through the city.

A patrol tried to stop a Toyota station wagon on Pulteney St about 7pm Monday after a dog was seen sitting on the driver’s lap.

The car did not stop when the patrol activated emergency lights but eventually came to a halt on Frome Rd.

The male driver refused to leave the vehicle and police used capsicum spray to arrest him.

The Blair Athol man, 40 and his passenger, a Blair Athol girl, 15, will face numerous charges including disorderly behaviour, hindering police and failing to stop.

It follows a fatal crash at Kersbrook last week.

Bradley Walkley, 24, died after crashing into a tree on Kersbrook Rd onThursday night.

The young father was remembered by his new wife, and his football club, in heartbreaking tributes.