National

NSW driver charged over police crash

By AAP Newswire

Jan 1, 2023

Police sign — Police say the driver hit a police car head-on at speed after avoiding a roadside breath test. -AAP Image

A man who allegedly drove head-on into police in NSW has been charged with multiple offences.

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Two officers were hospitalised after the crash in the Wollongong suburb Figtree in the early hours of Saturday morning, with one requiring surgery on his hand.

The incident occurred after the man allegedly tried to avoid a roadside breath test by crossing double lines on the road to head back the way he came.

Police say a search then began, and as a patrol crested a hill it collided with the car, which was being driven on the wrong side of the road at high speed.

The vehicle also hit a parked car before its driver allegedly fled and was later found and arrested on a nearby street.

The 46-year-old man from Cordeaux Heights faces seven charges including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and failing to stop after a crash.

The man's licence had been suspended for six months in October, police said.

Investigations into the crash continue while police await results of mandatory testing.