The background story of the man arrested by police under a house in East Lismore has been released by police. The intriguing story starts in Queensland and finishes in East Lismore.

About 1.30pm yesterday (Saturday, 30 August 2025), Queensland Police notified NSW Police that a Toyota utility – allegedly stolen from Queensland – had entered NSW.

A short time later officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District located the ute driving North on the Pacific Highway at Yelgun.

Police directed the driver to stop; however, when they allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued until the vehicle reached Clothiers Creek, where it was terminated due to safety concerns.

About 3.10pm police located the utility driving on Goonengerry Road, Goonengerry.

Police again directed the driver to stop; however, the driver allegedly failed to do so, and a second pursuit was initiated.

The second pursuit continued until the stolen car reached Federal Drive, Federal, where the pursuit was again terminated due to safety concerns.

About 3.40pm police located the utility in a golf club carpark on Barham Street, Lismore, before seizing it for forensic examination. 

Following inquiries, officers attached to Richmond Police District located the alleged driver – a 31-year-old man – hiding under a home on Garrard Street, East Lismore, about 5.15pm.

The man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (two counts), drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (two counts), receive property stolen outside NSW more than $15,000 (two counts), class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45km/h, and enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court yesterday, where he was further refused bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court on Monday, 8 September 2025.