Crash driver accused of biting officer in dramatic roadside arrest

A MAN accused of fleeing the scene of a crash in the Riverina has been charged after allegedly biting a police officer during a dramatic roadside arrest in Adelong.

Police say two Toyota SUVs collided on the Sturt Highway near Lower Tarcutta Road at Tarcutta about 1pm on Wednesday, May 20.

While no injuries were reported, a NSW Police spokesperson said one of the drivers, a 34-year-old man, allegedly jumped into a third vehicle and left the scene before exchanging details.

“No injuries were reported; however, a short time later a sedan arrived and took one of the drivers away from the scene before details were exchanged and police were called,” the spokesperson said.

About an hour later, police located the sedan travelling through Adelong, about 40 kilometres from the crash site.

The vehicle was intercepted on Victoria Hill Road, where police allege the 34-year-old man involved in the earlier collision jumped from the back seat and fled on foot.

Officers gave chase and, following a brief foot pursuit, arrested the man a short distance away.

Police allege the man resisted arrest and bit an officer on the wrist during the struggle.

During a subsequent search of the man’s property, officers allegedly located methylamphetamine, cocaine and $8,550 cash.

Following his arrest, the man was taken to Tumut Police Station, where he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries before being transported to Wagga Base Hospital for assessment.

The 34-year-old has since been charged with seven offences, including two counts of drug supply, resisting police, assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty causing actual bodily harm, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He was refused police bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 5 on Thursday, May 21.