A 13-year-old male teen has been charged following a pursuit in the state’s north on 22 January 2025.

About 1:45am yesterday yesterday (Wednesday, 22 January 2025), police were informed that a Renault Motor Vehicle bearing NSW registration had entered a Lismore Service Station. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to pump fuel. However, the Service Station attendant concerned that the male appeared young and was wearing a face covering did not activate the fuel pumps.

After being unsuccessful in his efforts to obtain fuel, the male returned to the driver’s seat of the vehicle and drove from the Service Station.

A short time later, officers attached to Richmond Police District sighted the Renault on Johnston Street Casino. Police attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit that followed covered approximately 16 kilometers in distance around the township of Casino and north along the Summerland Way towards Kyogle. Near McDonalds Bridge Road Fairy Hill, the driver of the vehicle suddenly pulled to the left of the roadway, and the pursuit came to a halt.

At this time, Police approached the vehicle and effected an arrest of the driver and only occupant. The driver aged thirteen was taken to Casino Police Station.

Following enquiries by Police, it was established that the vehicle had been stolen from a Byron Bay address earlier in the night.

Consequently, the young person was charged with offences:

• Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.

• Police Pursuit – not stop – drive at speed.

• Goods in personal custody suspected to have been stolen.

The youth was bail refused by Police to appear before the Children’s Court on 22 January 2024.

On appearing before the Children's Court the youth was granted conditional bail to re-appear before the court later in the month.