A woman has been charged with a string of offences over an alleged road-rage incident that brought early morning traffic to a standstill and shocked onlookers in Newcastle today.
Police say a 29-year-old woman and 55-year-old man had an argument in the carpark of Hunter Street’s KFC, before the man took off in a golden Holden Barina.
The dispute allegedly developed into a dangerous pursuit through Newcastle’s city-centre as the woman rammed the Holden several times along Honeysuckle Drive and King Street while driving a white Ford utility.
When the man attempted to do a U-turn, the woman allegedly T-boned his car, injuring his arm.
At least six other cars were hit during the incident.
Witnesses then called police to the scene on Hunter Street, near the Newcastle Interchange, where a group of construction workers attempted to intervene
Police say the accused took off before officers arrived.
The 55-year-old man was taken to John Hunter Hospital.
The woman was arrested at a nearby hotel and charged with using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, driving recklessly/furiously, not giving particulars to other driver and possession of a prohibited drug.
She was refused bail and is expected to appear before the court today.
Superintendent Commander Wayne Humphrey said he was “aghast” after seeing footage of the incident, which has been widely circulated on social media.
“What I’m looking at is the potential for people to die in the main street of Newcastle,” he said.
“With the number of pedestrians around her …the potentiality for a fatality was quite evident.”
“I’m just thankful no one was seriously injured.”
