Man 'crossed into opposing carriageway' in attempt to evade police on Lisnevenagh Road
A man is to appear in court after a pursuit on the Lisnevenagh Road resulted in a car being driven onto the opposing carriageway in a ‘reckless’ attempt to evade police.
The incident occurred on Friday, July 17 during a routine patrol, a PSNI spokesperson said.
A post on the Police Antrim and Newtownabbey Facebook page described how Road Policing Interceptors from Sprucefield observed a red Seat travelling on the main road between Antrim and Ballymena. “As soon as the driver spotted the police vehicle, they inexplicably accelerated,” the post added.
"Officers signalled for the vehicle to stop, but the driver had other ideas and a pursuit began.
"In a reckless attempt to evade police, the driver crossed the central reservation, driving into the opposing carriageway. The impact burst all four tyres, thankfully bringing the vehicle to a halt before anyone was seriously injured.
"Both the driver and passenger then abandoned the car and fled on foot into nearby fields, but their freedom was short-lived. Officers quickly detained both males.”
The driver, who police say only holds a provisional driving licence, was arrested on suspicion of no insurance; no L plates; driving unaccompanied; failing to stop for police, possession of an offensive weapon, and dangerous driving.
"He is due to appear before the courts in the very near future,” the police spokesperson added.
"Crossing into the opposing carriageway of a dual carriageway is an unbelievably dangerous decision that could easily have resulted in innocent people losing their lives.
"Thankfully, on this occasion, the only thing brought to a stop was the driver’s journey.”