Reckless driving and assault charges for man allegedly involved in high-speed chase across Great Southern

A 43-year-old man, charged after a car chase in the Great Southern on Monday, allegedly reached speeds of more than 140km/h and dangerously overtook other vehicles on Albany Highway. Great Southern police were involved in the chase that began near Kendenup and lasted about 90 minutes, even reaching the top of Albany’s main street in front of stunned witnesses and avoiding stingers set out by police. Peter Charrington Firth was remanded in custody after appearing in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday on multiple charges. He was charged with reckless driving and assaulting police officers during his arrest hours later in Bridgetown. About 1pm on Monday police tried to stop a white Ford Falcon being driving erratically on Albany Highway near Kendenup. Mr Firth allegedly led police on a chase south down Albany Highway, through Mt Barker and then into Albany where he reached the top of York Street. From there the chase went back up Albany Highway towards Mt Barker before police aborted about 2.30pm for safety reasons. Great Southern police traffic officer-in-charge Sergeant Derek Grimes said the chase was stopped when the driver began to overtake dangerously. “The vehicle failed to stop on Albany Highway near Kendenup and a pursuit started south down the highway all the way to Albany and into the heart of the CBD,” Sgt Grimes said. “Police tried to use a tyre deflation device but the driver evaded that. “The driver headed north back up Albany Highway and just south of Mt Barker police aborted the chase due to his dangerous driving. “He was performing dangerous overtaking manoeuvres in front of oncoming traffic making it dangerous for himself, the public and police. “It wasn’t all at high speed but speeds were in the 140-150km/h range at times during the pursuit.” Sgt Grimes said the Falcon was last sighted on Muir Highway heading towards Manjimup and later that day officers spotted the wanted man refuelling his vehicle in Bridgetown. Mr Firth was arrested and while in custody he allegedly assaulted two officers, causing minor injuries but one did require hospital treatment. He was charged with reckless driving speeding by 45km/h or more on a length of road to escape pursuit, two counts of assault public officer and also obstructing public officers. Sgt Grimes said the man was driving erratically when police initially tried to pull him over. “Driving like that causes death on our roads,” Sgt Grimes said. “Police made a great attempt to apprehend this vehicle at the earliest opportunity but the chase was aborted for the safety of the public.” Mr Firth, who is from the South West, is next due to appear in Bunbury Magistrates Court on June 6. Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Great Southern police on 9892 9300.