Jason Baldwin poses as cop, slams police car in daring attempt to get away

Armed with fake red and blue lights and two bags of meth, a Mildura man posed as a cop before crashing into a police car and making a daring escape attempt.

Jason Baldwin impersonated a police officer when he attempted to pull over another car by installing homemade blue and red lights on a stolen Ford Ranger Picture: Generic, file.

A Mildura man stuck blue and red lights to the front bumper of a stolen car so he could impersonate police, a court has heard.

Jason Baldwin fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court on multiple charges, including motor vehicle theft, endangering an emergency worker, and drug possession.

The court heard Baldwin had placed blue and red lights to the front bumper of a stolen Ford Ranger, flashing them at a motorist who, believing it was a police stop, pulled over. Baldwin then sped past, prompting the motorist to contact triple-0, in September of this year.

Police discovered the stolen vehicle early the next morning on Jacks Court with Baldwin lying in the front seat.

Jason Baldwin accepted a sentence indication and was sentenced to 12 months behind bars for a laundry list of offending.

When police approached the driver’s side window, Baldwin reversed the vehicle, slamming into the police car.

Officers broke the passenger-side window and ordered Baldwin to exit the vehicle, but he fled on foot, shouting, “f--- off you dogs” as he tried to evade arrest.

Police apprehended Baldwin a short time later and took him to Mildura police station. There, he told police he had waited to hear the sound of the police door closing before attempting to drive off.

When police searched Baldwin, they found a small amount of methamphetamine and shotgun shells. He also tested positive for both meth and cannabis.

When police searched the stolen Ford Ranger they discovered several items linked to a Lake Boga break-in from earlier in the year. Picture: Generic

Baldwin also pleaded guilty to other charges, including illegally taking firewood and drug possession.

A psyche report said Baldwin claimed he got a buzz from his offending.

Baldwin’s lawyer, Hannah Smith, noted that several factors influenced Baldwin’s actions.

“The passing of his father had a significant impact on him,” Ms Smith said

“He is remorseful, your honour, and regrets his behaviour. He is now sober.”

Police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Pardon emphasised the extreme danger of Baldwin’s actions.

“He has engaged in incredibly dangerous behaviour, your honour,” Sgt Pardon said.

In sentencing, Magistrate Patrick Southey warned Baldwin that time was running out for him to turn his life around.

With 55 days reckoned as PSD, Baldwin will be eligible for parole in March 2025. Picture: Genseric

“There’s no reason you can’t get back on track. A lot of young blokes wake up to themselves in their mid-20s. That has got to be you,” Mr Southey said.

“If you stop taking drugs, you have good prospects, and if you’re a thrillseeker, you need to find other ways to seek your thrills.”

Mr Southey handed Baldwin a 12-month sentence with a six-month non-parole period.

With 55 days counted as pre-sentence detention, Baldwin will be eligible for parole in late March 2025.