Arrests after major Rippleside police operation

Four people have been charged after an alleged stolen car was seen “flying across the footpath” and dumped in a street. WATCH VIDEO.

Four people have been charged after they were arrested following a dramatic pursuit across Geelong’s north.

The Geelong Advertiser understands police had been tracking an allegedly stolen silver 4WD through North Geelong about 2pm Wednesday.

A witness said they saw the car come “flying across the footpath” before it allegedly ran a red light.

The car’s back right tyre was worn down to the rim.

The back tye of the 4WD had been worn down to the rim. Picture: Mark Wilson

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the allegedly stolen Toyota Prado was first seen driving erratically at about 11am in Highton.

It was then spotted by a police helicopter travelling along Shannon Avenue in Newtown before the driver “sped off”.

“Stop sticks were successfully deployed on Brougham Street, but the Prado continued driving on its rims to Rippleside,” she said.

“The offenders dumped their car along Holden Avenue and were picked up in another vehicle.”

The four occupants, a 30-year-old Torquay man, a 32-year-old Corio man, a 32-year-old Bell Park man and a 22-year-old Norlane woman later gave themselves up on Vautier Road and were arrested at the scene, about 2pm.

The Corio man was charged with multiple offences including theft from motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, bail offences and possession of drugs.

The Bell Park man has also been charged with multiple offences including theft from and of motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, bail offences, drug possession and driving offences.

The pair were remanded overnight to appear before Geelong Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The Torquay man and Norlane woman were both charged and bailed in relation to offences including the possession of drugs and weapons.

They will appear before Geelong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

Arrest after major Rippleside police operation

It’s understood the car’s occupants, a man and a woman, dumped the car at the corner of Holden Ave and Swinburne St in Rippleside before fleeing the scene.

The witness said they “did a runner up” Vautier St and attempted to get into a waiting grey sedan.

Police seize items from a car in Rippleside. Picture: Mark Wilson

A short time later, police arrested two men in Vautier St.

Two men, believed to be the occupants of the sedan, were seen sitting on the ground in handcuffs before being taken into a police divvy van.

A man and woman, believed to be the occupants of the 4WD, are also believed to have been arrested.

Police were seen seizing a number of items from the 4WD, including power tools and a chainsaw, before placing them into paper bags.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Arrests after major Rippleside police operation