A driver behind the wheel of a stolen Mazda MX-5 led police on a dangerous hour-long chase through Sydney’s western suburbs before crashing on one of the city’s busiest motorways. The pursuit included high speeds, evasive maneuvers around roadblocks, and even stretches where the lightweight roadster was driven along a footpath.
According to 7News Australia, the pursuit began at approximately 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday after officers spotted the stolen Mazda in Guildford. When the driver refused to stop, police initiated a pursuit that would eventually stretch across multiple suburbs before coming to a dramatic end.
Video captured by bystanders showed the small convertible weaving around police roadblocks and avoiding tire spikes while continuing to flee. Witnesses described seeing police vehicles converging from multiple directions as officers attempted to bring the chase to a safe conclusion.
Despite the dangerous nature of the pursuit, authorities said nobody was seriously injured. The driver was arrested after the crash and transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under police guard.
A Chase Across Sydney
View this post on Instagram
According to NSW Police and 7News Australia, officers first attempted to stop the Mazda after identifying it as a vehicle believed to have been stolen from Redfern several days earlier. Instead of pulling over, the driver accelerated away, beginning what became an hour-long pursuit through Sydney’s western suburbs.
The chase reportedly passed through Guildford, Merrylands, Chester Hill, Bass Hill, Auburn, Regents Park, East Hills, and several other areas. Along the way, the driver allegedly avoided deployed road spikes, drove on the wrong side of the road, and mounted footpaths while narrowly missing pedestrians.
Footage broadcast by 7News also showed the Mazda maneuvering around a police roadblock by driving along the sidewalk. Witnesses told reporters they saw police vehicles “everywhere” as officers attempted to intercept the fleeing sports car.
Chase Ends on the M5
The pursuit finally ended on the M5 Motorway near Revesby after the Mazda crashed, leaving the vehicle heavily damaged. Police said the driver, a 40-year-old man, was arrested at the scene before being transported to Liverpool Hospital in stable condition.
Authorities allege the man was driving without a valid licence and is known to police. Investigators also claim the Mazda struck several other vehicles during the pursuit, although no serious injuries were reported.
Multiple Charges Expected
New South Wales Police say the investigation remains ongoing, with multiple charges expected to be filed against the driver. Officers also continue examining the circumstances surrounding the allegedly stolen Mazda MX-5 and the events that led to the lengthy pursuit.
While the chase caused significant disruption across several Sydney suburbs, police noted that the outcome could have been far worse. Considering the speeds involved, the near misses with pedestrians, and the number of roads affected, authorities said they were fortunate that no innocent motorists or bystanders suffered serious injuries.