A dramatic police pursuit unfolded across the Illawarra region, leading to the arrest of a woman and the hospitalization of a man under police guard. The incident, which involved multiple stolen vehicles and a Taser deployment, began early Tuesday morning, November 3, 2025, and spanned several hours and locations.
The crime spree commenced when officers identified a Toyota Camry with allegedly stolen number plates on Wattle Road in Blackbutt. Police attempted to stop the vehicle at approximately 7:30 am, but the driver evaded capture, prompting a pursuit that was subsequently called off after officers lost sight of the car.
From Camry to Range Rover: A Chaotic Morning
Just over an hour later, at around 9:00 am, police reportedly spotted the same driver, now behind the wheel of a stolen Range Rover SUV on Greene Street in Warrawong. The SUV, stolen from Shell Cove in October, was allegedly linked to several break-ins across the Lake Illawarra and Sydney regions.
Despite police efforts to stop the Range Rover, another pursuit ensued but was again terminated due to safety concerns. The vehicle was later found stalled in traffic on Burelli Street in Wollongong by the Region Enforcement Squad (RES), who attempted to apprehend the occupants.
“A male passenger in the vehicle was Tasered; however, police will allege the driver, a woman, then allegedly sped off,” a NSW Police spokesperson stated.
Police Tactics and Arrests
The situation escalated when the female driver reportedly rammed three vehicles, including a marked police car, before fleeing the scene. By 9:50 am, the SUV was discovered abandoned on Cliff Road in Wollongong. Police established a perimeter and deployed additional resources, including the dog squad, to search the area.
Ultimately, officers arrested the 42-year-old female driver and the 38-year-old male passenger. During the arrest, the man was Tasered by police. The woman faces multiple charges, including police pursuit and driving dangerously, being carried in a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and driving while her license was suspended. She is also charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company and stealing, related to other incidents.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
The male passenger faces a litany of charges, including police pursuit and driving dangerously, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and driving a vehicle during a disqualification period. Both individuals were denied bail and are scheduled to appear at Bail Division Court 3 on Wednesday, November 5.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about vehicle theft and related crimes in the Illawarra region. Local law enforcement continues to urge residents to report suspicious activities and ensure their vehicles are secure to prevent such occurrences.
By the Numbers: “Vehicle thefts in New South Wales have seen a significant increase over the past year, with a 15% rise in reported cases,” according to the latest crime statistics.
This development follows a series of high-profile police chases in the area, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policing strategies and the need for enhanced community safety measures. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to review their pursuit policies to balance law enforcement with public safety.
Meanwhile, the Illawarra community remains on alert, with many residents expressing concerns over the frequency of such incidents. The local government is considering additional measures to address these issues, including increased patrols and community awareness programs.
The outcome of the upcoming court proceedings will likely influence future policing policies and community safety initiatives in the region. As the legal process unfolds, both the police and the public will be watching closely for any changes in the approach to handling similar situations in the future.
