BY IAN CROUCH
A man is in police custody after a woman was injured when she was alleged hit by a stolen SUV at Jesmond early Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to Newcastle Road just before 2am after a 21year-old traffic controller was allegedly struck by a silver Mercedes Benz SUV which was being pursued by police.
Police had initiated the pursuit only moments earlier when the SUV – which had been reported stolen from Salt Ash – was seen allegedly travelling above the speed limit.
Police immediately rendered assistance to the injured woman while the alleged driver of the stolen SUV was arrested after a being chased down on foot.
The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she is reported to be in a stable condition with pelvic injuries.
The 30-year-old man has been taken to Waratah Police Station.
A crime scene was established by Newcastle City Police with officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit now conducting inquiries.
EARLIER:
There are major delays for traffic at Jesmond this morning due to a police operation.
Eastbound motorists on Newcastle Road are now being diverted onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
The Transport Management Centre says westbound motorists wanting to use the Inner City Bypass can consider using Blue Gum Road instead.
Motorists should also allow extra travel time and follow the directions of emergency services and traffic crews on site.
