A man is under police guard in Belmont Hospital after he fractured his back during a police pursuit across the western and eastern side of Lake Macquarie.
Just before 11.30 yesterday morning, officers spotted a Mitsubishi Triton Utility which had earlier been reported stolen from Speers Point at the intersection of Victory Parade and Cary Street, Toronto and began pursing the vehicle.
The chase continued along Five Islands Road to Anzac Parade where road spikes were deployed, but the driver allegedly crossed the median strip into oncoming traffic and the pursuit was called off.
The utility as later spotted on Macquarie Road at Warners Bay where it left the road and hit a tree.
The driver fled from the vehicle, and a short foot pursuit took place.
A-24-year-old man was arrested and taken to Belmont Hospital for mandatory testing.
He remains in hospital under police guard after an x-ray revealed a fracture in his back.
Charges are expected.
Meanwhile, police called off a pursuit of a stolen Nissan Patrol at Glendale early Wednesday morning.
Officers noticed the vehicle on Lake Road at Edgeworth just after 3.00am and a pursuit was initiated.
However, the chase was terminated when the car crossed to the wrong side of the road a short time later.
The search for the vehicle continues.
