Bellingen man Jarrod William Brown faces Ballina court after stealing Volvo, sparking police pursuit

A northern NSW man being observed by clinicians managed to nick a Volvo before he became embroiled in a wild police chase. Here’s how it happened.

Jarrod William Brown leaves Ballina Courthouse.

A erratic driver in a stolen car managed to dodge two road spike attempts by police on the Pacific Highway before he crashed into the back of a vehicle and made a run for it.

Jarrod William Brown, 45, pleaded guilty at Ballina Local Court on Friday to a police pursuit and stealing a car without the consent of the owner.

He pleaded not guilty to speeding, resisting an officer and two counts of being in the custody of a knife in a public place.

The Bellingen man, previously known as Jarrod William Stoaks, was being observed by clinicians from the Coffs Harbour Acute Mental Health Unit at Bungadan Community House on June 2 last year, court documents state.

Brown was showing signs of a mental health disorder and aggression before he helped himself to somebody else’s car, which still had the keys in the ignition.

Police tracked the victim’s phone, which was still in the front seat of the Volvo V70 station wagon, and found the vehicle on the Pacific Highway.

Brown is accused of resisting arrest while he was pulled from the Volvo after the crash.

Police trailed the Volvo and switched on vehicle warning lights, police facts state.

It’s alleged Brown increased speed and began overtaking cars at 170kmh in a 110kmh zone.

Brown drove over the grass median strip which separated the north and southbound lanes to avoid getting stuck behind a heavy vehicle.

Police arranged for road spikes to be set up at the St Helena Tunnel, but the plan failed because Brown conducted an illegal U-turn at an emergency vehicle bay.

More spikes were set up but could not be deployed “due to insufficient distance between a motorist the accused was tailgating,” the documents state.

Brown was stuck behind two heavy vehicles blocking both lanes at the Mitchell Cross underpass.

It’s stated Brown tried to overtake using the breakdown lane, but crashed into another vehicle and the Volvo became wedged against the lane safety wire.

Police allege Brown tried to exit the vehicle and flee but was hit with capsicum spray and pulled through the passenger window of the Volvo.

It’s alleged Brown placed his right arm under his stomach to hinder the arrest.

Police also allege Brown was found with two orange box cutter knives in his pants pocket.

The case has been adjourned to March 22.