Boy, 15, charged after six injured when allegedly stolen car crashes during police pursuit in Hunter region

A 15-year-old boy has been charged after six teenagers were hospitalised when an alleged stolen car – which police say was taken during the burglary of an 85-year-old woman’s unit – crashed during a pursuit in the Hunter.

An investigation is underway following a pursuit and crash in the Hunter region this morning. Picture: TNV

One teenager has been charged and a second dealt with as a young offender, while four others remain in hospital after an allegedly stolen car carrying six teenagers crashed during a police pursuit in the Hunter.

Police will allege a black Holden Jazz had been stolen during the burglary of an 85-year-old woman’s house in East Maitland before 4am on Wednesday.

The elderly woman was asleep inside her Molly Morgan Dr unit when it was broken into and her property, including the Honda, was stolen.

Some 15 minutes later, at 4.15am, officers were patrolling Woodberry Rd at Millers Forest when they saw the Honda.

“When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated,” police said in a statement.

One of the teens being taken away on a stretcher. Picture: TNV

Officers at the scene of the crash. Picture: TNV

“It continued for less than a minute before the car left the road and crashed at Woodberry, about 5km north of Hexham.”

Four boys – two aged 15 as well as a 14-year-old and 16-year-old – as well as two girls aged 14 and 15 were treated at the scene for a range of injuries.

Police at the scene. Picture: TNV

Paramedics took the occupants to John Hunter Hospital, where four remained on Wednesday night.

Police said they had been advised that the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

A crime scene was established and processed by crash investigation unit officers while Port Stephens-Hunter police, along with Operation Soteria officers, continued investigations.

One of the 15-year-old boys was arrested after being released from hospital about 3pm and taken to Waratah Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of being carried in a conveyance taken without the consent of the owner, and one count each of aggravated breaking and entering into dwelling in company to steal, and breach of bail.

He was refused bail to face a children’s court on Thursday.

A 15-year-girl was also arrested and has been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Inquiries into the incident continue and further charges are expected.
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Originally published as Boy, 15, charged after six injured when allegedly stolen car crashes during police pursuit in Hunter region