Rhys Alan Evans: Not guilty pleas to northern suburbs police pursuit charges

A man driving a Range Rover while allegedly fleeing from police before crashing on Sydney’s north shore, faced 17 charges in court.

A damaged police car and Range Rover on Jenkins St at Chatswood. The alleged drifver of the Range Rover, Rhys Evans, was in Manly Local Court to face 17 charges. Picture: John Grainger

A man who allegedly led police on a wild early morning car chase through Sydney suburbs that ended with him being tasered for allegedly attacking officers, appeared in court on Wednesday.

Rhys Alan Evans, 32, of Potts Point, was arrested after the luxury Range Rover he was allegedly driving collided with a number of police cars on Sydney’s north shore.

A damaged police van at Chatswood. Picture John Grainger

Mr Evans, who used to live at Narrabeen, has pleaded not guilty to 17 charges including three counts of police pursuit (not stop) drive recklessly, as well as one count each of assaulting police and use/possess or attempt/threaten to use an offensive weapon to avoid arrest.

In documents tendered to court police alleged that Mr Evans was spotted driving erratically on the Warringah Freeway at Neutral Bay about 5am on October 30.

He was allegedly seen driving on the wrong side of the road multiple times.

Police began a pursuit, but it was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.

Police arrested Rhys Evans at Chatswood. Picture John Grainger

The vehicle was subsequently stopped, after colliding with police cars, at the intersection of Centennial Ave and Jenkins St, Chatswood, about 5.45am.

Police alleged in the court documents that Mr Evans drove on a footpath on Penshurst St, Willoughby and drove recklessly or in a dangerous manner on Laurel St, Oakville Rd, Keary St, Mowbray Rd, Sydney St, McMahon St, High St, and on the Pacific Highway at Willoughby.

They also alleged he drove negligently on Mowbray Rd at Chatswood.

Police will also allege in court that Mr Evans allegedly ran from the crash scene before becoming physically aggressive toward police before being tasered.

A damaged sign close to Chatswood High School and Chatswood Public School. Picture John Grainger

He was also charged with resisting eight officers in the execution of their duty.

Mr Evans was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment after his arrest.

Three police vehicles sustained minor damage during the incident, however, no officers were injured.

Mr Evans, who has been in custody since his arrest, did not apply for bail.

Magistrate Michelle Goodwin adjourned the matter to Manly Local Court for mention on January 20.