Driver takes a wrong turn

By Bridget Cook
POLICE arrested an 18-year-old driver yesterday morning following three separate high-speed pursuits through Pakenham, Berwick and Beaconsfield.
In one pursuit the Beaconsfield man almost collided head-on with police on the Princes Freeway when he drove in the wrong direction.
The first pursuit started about 1.30am after police attempted to intercept a silver Nissan Skyline on the Old Princes Highway, Pakenham.
Police said the driver took off at 170km/h when the pursuit began and the police airwing and dog squad were called to assist when police lost sight of the vehicle.
Police spotted the driver again about 1.45am travelling west along the Princes Highway at alleged speeds of up to 180km/h.
The driver then entered the Princes Freeway before exiting at Clyde Road and re-entered in the wrong direction, where he came close to smashing into the police car.
The driver managed to escape the police for the second time but he was later found at the intersection of Beaconsfield-Emerald Road and Princes Highway.
It is believed the driver then collided with the Narre Warren police divisional van at low speed before driving to a dead end car park at the rear of the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield.
The driver then abandoned the car and took off on foot.
Police arrested him a short time later after restraining him with O/C capsicum spray.
He was remanded in custody to appear yesterday at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.
He is facing 18 charges including reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering person, evade police, manner dangerous, speed dangerous, assault with weapon, theft and learner driver offences.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.