Tuesday 22 August 2017

Man charged after frantic search for a driver who didn't exist

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man who allegedly told police he was a passenger in a car which was driven off a boat ramp at Lemon Tree Passage is due to face court today.

Port Stephens Police were called to the boat ramp on Sunday evening where they found a silver sedan had been driven about 15 metres into the water.

A 34-year-old man reportedly told police he was the passenger and the driver was still trapped in the submerged car, prompting a frantic search.

Multiple resources were called to the scene but no-one was found inside the vehicle. Two police officers had to be treated for hypothermia after spending 20 minutes in the cold water searching.

Police arrested the 34-year-old at a Raymond Terrace home yesterday morning.

The man has since been charged with public mischief and breaching a domestic violence order - he's been refused bail to front Raymond Terrace Court today.

Crews Drag The Submerged Car From The Water Picture: Port Stephens SES