It involved detectives from Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit, Shepparton Highway Patrol police and local uniform police, with support from Air Wing.
Police apprehended eight dangerous drivers who failed to stop on police direction between Monday, December 13, and Wednesday, December 15.
“Failing to stop when directed by police, driving under the influence of drugs, driving at excessive speeds. We are sick and tired of seeing this kind of reckless and selfish behaviour – it’s dangerous and it costs lives,” Shepparton CIU Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis said.
“Coming up to Christmas, it is a timely reminder for all drivers to obey road rules or you may not make it to your family’s Christmas dinner table.”
On one occasion, police allege a Mooroopna man, 39, failed to stop in St Georges Rd, Shepparton.
He was detected shortly afterwards allegedly driving at 140km/h along the Shepparton-Barmah Rd.
The man was tracked by Air Wing for an hour-and-a-half into bushland before he allegedly swam across the Goulburn River and hid in bushland to escape police.
He was later arrested and charged with dangerous driving while pursued by police, unlicensed driving, use of unregistered motor vehicle and affix false plates.
He was bailed and will face Shepparton Magistrate’s Court on April 4, 2022.
The man allegedly tested positive to methylamphetamine following a roadside drug test.
The other seven people apprehended included:
• A Mooroopna man, 28, who is expected to be charged on summons with evade police and use unregistered motor vehicle.
• A Yarrawonga man, 18, who was charged with dangerous driving while pursued by police, drive while disqualified and use unregistered motor vehicle. He was bailed and will face Shepparton Magistrate’s Court on May 30, 2022.
• A Shepparton man, 27, who is expected to be charged on summons with evade police and unlicensed driving.
• A Langwarrin man, 44, who was charged with evade police, possess drug of dependence and possess controlled weapon. He was remanded to face Shepparton Magistrate’s Court on February 15, 2022. He also allegedly tested positive to methylamphetamine following a roadside drug test.
• A Shepparton man, 27, who is expected to be charged on summons with evade police, drive while disqualified, use unregistered motor vehicle and refuse evidentiary breath test.
• A Shepparton man, 22, who was charged with dangerous driving while pursued by police, reckless conduct, unlicensed driving, use unregistered motor vehicle. He was bailed and will face Shepparton Magistrate’s Court on January 24, 2022.
• A Shepparton man, 18, who received a penalty notice for failing to stop on police direction.
All eight drivers had their cars impounded for 30 days at a cost of upwards of $1000.
