A speeding driver who allegedly evaded police for about 250 kilometres was arrested after his tyres were spiked during a major police operation.
A police officer who tracked the vehicle from Great Western said the male driver of a blue Holden Commodore was allegedly detected speeding near Nhill after 1pm.
Ararat Station Commander Damian Ferrari said police tried to intercept the driver, but he allegedly refused to stop and took off at high speeds.
Senior Sergeant Ferrari said police did not pursue the driver due to safety concerns and instead engaged multiple police units including the airwing, uniformed officers and non-uniformed police to track the motorist as he allegedly drove at high speeds along the Western Highway, overtaking other cars.
"We've had a couple of unsuccessful attempts to deploy stop sticks. The third attempt was successful and has caused the vehicle to come to a stop," Senior Sergeant Ferrari said.
Waiting police, who had been notified of the car's location by the airwing, were on scene to arrest the driver when the car came to a stop near Dowling Road on the Western Highway.
"For about an hour and a half he has been travelling constantly," Senior Sergeant Ferrari said.
One couple, who were travelling from South Australia to Ballarat, also drove over some of the stop sticks and suffered a punctured tyre.
Police and road side assistance workers were helping the couple.
Senior Sergeant Ferarri could not confirm if the alleged offender was known to police but said the high speed driving posed a serious risk to all road users.
"Any time a vehicle is travelling at speed or failing to stop is a concern on the roads, especially on a busy highway. This is not just a back road - it's a busy highway," Senior Sergeant Ferrari said.
"This is why we continually make risk assessments, because it does pose such a danger on the road."
The man was transferred to Ballarat police station for questioning.
Senior Sergeant Ferrari praised all members involved in the successful operation and thanked the community for responding well to the high police presence.
Anyone who witnessed the blue Commodore should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
