A POLICE officer copped a kick to the chest as officers arrested a man who allegedly raced through Port Stephens suburbs at speeds of up to 165km/h in the early hours of Friday.
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Rhys James Allen remains in custody after his first court appearance over the alleged incident.
Officers attempted to stop a black Ford ute on Bagnalls Beach Road at Corlette about 3am.
The car failed to stop as directed and police began a pursuit.
They followed the utility through Corlette, Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay.
Police alleged the vehicle reached speeds of up to 165km/h through the quiet seaside areas before stopping on Spinnaker Way in Corlette.
The driver attempted to flee to a waiting Toyota Rav4, police said.
"Police will allege as they attempted to remove the man from the Toyota, he has kicked an officer in the chest," NSW Police said in a statement.
Police arrested Mr Allen, 30, and charged him with police pursuit, custody of a knife, assault police, possess prohibited drug and driving whilst suspended.
He was on bail for a previous matter at the time.
Mr Allen did not apply for bail - and it was formally refused - when he faced Raymond Terrace Local Court on Friday.
Magistrate John Chicken adjourned the matter to June 24.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
