Imagine a high-speed chase through the streets of Illawarra, involving stolen vehicles, a police dog unit, and a dramatic Taser deployment—this isn’t a movie plot, but a real-life crime spree that unfolded recently. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was the use of force justified, or did the situation escalate unnecessarily? Let’s dive into the details.
It all began when officers spotted a Toyota Camry with allegedly stolen number plates cruising down Wattle Road in Blackbutt. When they attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped off, sparking the first pursuit at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3. The chase was called off shortly after when police lost sight of the car. And this is the part most people miss: Just over an hour later, the same driver was reportedly back on the road—this time behind the wheel of a stolen Range Rover SUV in Warrawong. Police claim the SUV had been stolen from Shell Cove in October 2025 and was linked to a string of break-ins across Lake Illawarra, Monaro, Sutherland, Inner West, and even the ACT between October and November.
When officers tried to stop the SUV, the driver refused to comply, leading to a second pursuit. However, this chase was also terminated due to safety concerns. The drama didn’t end there. A short while later, the Region Enforcement Squad (RES) spotted the SUV on Burelli Street in Wollongong. As they moved in, the driver rammed three nearby vehicles, including a marked police car, before fleeing the scene. By 9:50 a.m., the abandoned SUV was found on Cliff Road, prompting a perimeter search with the help of a police dog unit.
The alleged driver, a 42-year-old woman, and her passenger, a 38-year-old man, were arrested nearby. During the arrest, the man was Tasered by officers—a move that’s sure to spark debate about the appropriate use of force. The woman now faces a laundry list of charges, including police pursuit, dangerous driving, driving with a suspended license, and multiple counts of aggravated break and enter. She was also charged with outstanding warrants related to similar offenses and was denied bail, set to appear in court on November 5.
Here’s the controversial question: Given the extent of the alleged crimes, was the Taser deployment a necessary measure to ensure public safety, or did it cross the line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. This case not only highlights the risks law enforcement faces daily but also raises important questions about the balance between public safety and the use of force. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.
