Man faces stolen car chase charges

Albany man Arthur Mervin Williams allegedly led police on a car chase through Spencer Park in a stolen vehicle last week. According to police, the 29-year-old failed to stop for officers just after 9am last Friday while driving a silver Ford station wagon, which had been stolen the night before from the Albany Harness Racing Club. A 23-year-old male passenger allegedly fled on foot as soon as the vehicle was intercepted by police, but was chased down by officers. Mr Williams allegedly tried to escape police in the Ford, then crashed into a pole on Warden Avenue. Police said Williams fled on foot before being arrested by officers. Now in custody, Mr Williams is facing more than 35 charges. He is yet to plead to most of those offences, including charges of reckless driving to escape pursuit by police, steal motor vehicle and two counts of escape from lawful custody. If found guilty, Mr Williams will face a mandatory six-month prison sentence for reckless driving to escape pursuit by police. He is due to appear in Albany Magistrate’s Court on March 19 for charges relating to the pursuit. Mr Williams’ 23-year-old passenger, who was also charged with stealing a motor vehicle, was released on bail to appear in court on March 19.