Driver fled moving car after 140km/h pursuit

Police reached speeds up to 140km/h in a high speed pursuit of an Albany man who was eventually arrested after he jumped out of a moving car yesterday evening.

Albany police were engaged in the high speed pursuit through residential areas of Lower King, Bayonet Head and Oyster Harbour just before 5pm before the driver was caught as he allegedly attempted to escape the officers on foot near Chester Pass Road.

Police say the pursuit began on Hubble Street and continued through the Oyster Harbour Estate and onto Mercer Road before the driver faced a dead end as he turned down a laneway off Chester Pass Road.

It was there when he fled from the vehicle before being apprehended only moments later by officers giving chase on foot.

Police allege the driver reached speeds up to 140km/h along Mercer Road with a chase continuing despite the driver losing the deflated front passenger side tyre and driving at speed on the rim.

Pursuing officer Senior Constable Dean Bristow said methamphetamine was allegedly found on the driver and his passenger.

“It is very concerning, his manner of driving was quite reckless at times and members of the public had to take evasive action,” he said.

“At that time of day people are coming home from work…it’s very scary.

“At the time the police car was getting showered in bits of rubber as the tyre was blowing apart.

“It’s one of those things, we have to do it but we also like to go home to our families.”

Thomas James Caddy, 29, fronted Albany Magistrates Court today facing a string of charges from the alleged pursuit including reckless driving to escape police pursuit, failing to stop, possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply, possessing cannabis, driving under suspension and obstructing police.

Appearing in custody, Mr Caddy was not required to plead to a total of nine new charges.

Defence lawyer Richard Hickson said his client understood he would face a mandatory jail term if convicted of reckless driving to escape pursuit.

Mr Caddy was remanded in custody to reappear on June 4.