Two young men and a boy were arrested following an alleged petrol theft and police pursuit in Werribee overnight.
The incident started to unfold around 1.30am after the a police van tried to intercept a white Ford ute.
The car was spotted by officers travelling along Tarneit Street with number plates that did not match the vehicle.
Sergeant Kris Hamilton said police started to chase the vehicle after the driver refused to pull over.
“Police followed the Ford down Market Road and onto Shaws Road then into Heaths Road before it drove into parkland at Presidents Park before stalling,” Sergeant Hamilton said.
“At Presidents Park, police seized the opportunity and ditched their van for a good old-fashioned foot chase that resulted in two offenders in custody.”
One of the men was sprayed with mace in an effort to control his aggressive behaviour while the third offender fled to nearby bushland.
He was later found by the police dog squad which was near by.
“Once all three offenders were rounded up and safely in custody enquires revealed that the vehicle they were in had recently been involved in a petrol theft at a nearby Werribee service station,” Sergeant Hamilton said.
“The driver of the ute, a 22-year-old Werribee man, who is unlicensed, has been charged with theft, conduct endangering life, careless driving and other traffic related offences.
“The others involved, a 19-year-old Geelong man and a 16-year-old Werribee boy have both been charged with theft.”
All three offenders are expected to be bailed to appear before the Magistrates court.
