A man has been charged with a number of offences following a pursuit in a vehicle alleged to have been stolen, and a stand-off which lasted more than six hours, in the Lake Macquarie Local Area Command today.

About 5.40am (Sunday 24 January 2016), police stopped a Ford Explorer at a stationary roadside breath test site on Awaba Road, Toronto.

It will be alleged the male driver spoke to police briefly, before he drove from the scene.

Inquiries led police to believe the driver was a 34-year-old man who previously had his Learner’s Licence suspended for five years.

Just after 8.10am, police attempted to stop the man driving a Hyundai i20, alleged to have been stolen, after he was seen using a hand-held mobile phone while travelling along Hickory Road, Gateshead.

The man allegedly failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated through Gateshead and Windale, before it was terminated due to safety concerns.

Further inquiries led police to locate the Hyundai in a paddock at the end of Lake Street, Windale.

The man was seen running from the area, and a foot pursuit took place to a home on Swan Street, where the man allegedly entered the premises, damaged the ceiling, and climbed onto the roof.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol, Dog Unit, Police Rescue and Police Negotiators attended.

About 3pm, the man climbed down from the roof and was arrested at the scene.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with:

– Skye’s Law,

– Two counts of disqualified driver,

– Possess prohibited drug,

– Assault,

– Three counts of malicious damage,

– Enter dwelling with intent to commit indictable offence,

– State false name,

– Illegal use of conveyance, and unrelated offences.

The man has been refused bail, to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 25 January 2016). Further charges are expected to be laid.