B-Double Police Chase Following Erratic Driving Through Coffs Coast

UPDATE:

Police have charged a Queensland man with a range of serious driving offences after an alleged police pursuit involving a B-Double on Saturday night.

According to Police the truck was carrying an estimated 50 tonnes of freight during the chase that covered more than 70km.

Inspector Brendan Gorman from Coffs/Clarence Police District said the 48 year old driver was released from Grafton Base Hospital on Sunday morning before being charged with negligent driving, police pursuit (drive in a manner dangerous), reckless driving, use a vehicle as a weapon to prevent apprehension, not stop when directed by police, driver not wear seatbelt and resist arrest.

Further action may be taken once police received results from blood samples.

The man has been bail refused to appear in Grafton Local Court on Monday.

Triple M have been in contact with the company, Cameron Interstate, who the man was subcontracting for.

Their General Manager told Triple M, “We are extremely concerned to learn of the incident last night involving one of our subcontractors, we treat safety as a high priority for our employees, contractors and the general public. We are co-operating fully with the NSW police force during their investigation”.

EARLIER:

Spectacular scenes through the Coffs Coast and Clarence Valley after a police pursuit involving a B Double on Saturday night.

The Queensland driver of the B-double, laden with an estimated 50 tonnes of freight has been arrested.

Just after 8pm on Saturday night, Police received triple zero calls regarding the truck driving erratically northbound on the Pacific Highway.

Witnesses reported the truck driving without headlight, swerving between lanes and over guard posts from around Coffs Harbour.

Officers attached to Coffs Clarence Highway Patrol intercepted the B-double at Glenugie, about 20km south of Grafton, and directed the driver to stop; however, police allege the driver instead attempted to run the highway patrol vehicle off the road after a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit the driver of the B Double is understood to have broken through police road blocks at various locations, also side swiping a stationary police vehicle parked southbound at Grafton as a precaution.

The pursuit finally ended at the Mororo Bridge at Chatsworth Island, 50km north of Grafton on the Pacific Highway.

Police allege the driver resisted attempts to remove him from the cabin before he was taken into custody.

The 48 year old driver, from Nerang in Queensland, was taken to Grafton Base Hospital for mandatory testing, and due to concerns he was allegedly under the influence of illicit drugs.

He has been kept in hospital for observation due to concerns for his health.

Inquiries are continuing.

Police are requesting that anyone who witnessed, or has dashcam vision of the incident contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.