A man allegedly impersonated a police officer and kidnapped a woman during a crime spree on the NSW Central Coast.
He has since been charged with 20 offences.
The 54-year-old allegedly committed an armed robbery at a Wyong business about 10pm on Friday, fleeing with cash in a stolen car on the M1 near Ourimbah.
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A massive operation was launched involving the dog unit and a police helicopter.
Police allege the man’s spree included stealing a car with a woman still inside, eventually stopping to let her out before driving away.
The Tuggerawong man also allegedly rammed a police car during a subsequent pursuit about 11am on Saturday.
He was arrested an hour later and taken to Wyong Hospital under police guard, where he was treated for minor injuries.
He has since been charged with 20 offences, including:
- Two counts of using an offensive weapon
- Armed robbery with an offensive weapon
- Aggravated break and enter and committing a serious indictable offence
- Three counts of aggravated break and enter and committing a serious indictable offence with people there
- Aggravated break and enter and committing a serious indictable offence while armed
- Five counts of taking and driving a vehicle without the consent of the owner
- Aggravated enter dwelling with intent while armed
- Impersonating a police officer
- Four counts of taking or detaining a person with intent to obtain advantage
- Using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
The man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Newcastle Bail Court on Sunday.