Victoria Police were forced to used road spikes to stop the speeding vehicle of a 57-year-old woman from a NSW COVID-19 ‘red zone’ who evaded a COVID-19 checkpoint in East Gippsland yesterday.
Officers say that at around 4am on Wednesday, a grey Volkswagen Passat station wagon travelled through the Chandlers Creek checkpoint at high speed, failing to stop for checkpoint police.
“A pursuit was initiated but soon terminated owing to increasing risk to the community, caused by the alleged manner of the woman’s driving,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
Police will allege the 57-year-old Bateau Bay (NSW) woman had earlier attempted to enter Victoria and was directed to return to NSW and make application for a permit to enter the State.
“An off-duty police officer spotted the woman driving near Nhill, allegedly en route to South Australia, about 5pm yesterday afternoon,” Victoria Police said.
“A coordinated response by general duties police, highway patrol and detectives from Western Region ensured a safe resolution.
“Police successfully a deployed tyre deflation device on Western Highway about 6pm.”
Police say the woman was arrested will be assessed and interviewed at a later date by detectives for offences including conduct endangering life, failing to stop on police direction and contravening Chief Health Officer directions.
The woman is a resident of the Central Coast area of New South Wales, a designated ‘Red Zone.’
“The establishment of these checkpoints is a vital step in order to protect the Victorian community and slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19),” Police said.
