April 13, 2025

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Incident Overview
A police pursuit in Sydney’s southwest escalated into a collision involving two vehicles, leaving two adults, two young children, and a dog injured. The crash occurred on The River Road at Picnic Point on Saturday, April 13, 2025 , after the fleeing driver allegedly evaded a random breath test stop.

A 22-year-old man was arrested and hospitalized in stable condition, while the occupants of the struck vehicle—a 39-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, a 3-year-old toddler, an 11-month-old infant, and their dog—were transported to hospitals and a veterinary clinic for treatment.

Location and Time

  • Pursuit Initiation: Saturday, April 13, 2025 (evening) on **Belmore Road** at **Riverwood**.
  • Crash Date: Saturday, April 13, 2025 (shortly after pursuit initiation).
  • Crash Location: The River Road, Picnic Point, Sydney’s southwest.

Vehicles Involved

  • A **vehicle under police pursuit** (driven by a 22-year-old man).
  • A **struck vehicle** carrying two adults, two children, and a dog.

Crash Description
The incident began when NSW Police attempted to stop the 22-year-old driver on Belmore Road at Riverwood for random testing. The driver fled, prompting a pursuit that was terminated due to safety concerns. Shortly afterward, the fleeing vehicle collided with another car on The River Road , injuring its occupants.

Injuries

  • Struck Vehicle Occupants:
    • A 39-year-old man (documented injuries).
    • A 33-year-old woman (injuries unspecified).
    • A 3-year-old toddler (injuries unspecified).
    • An 11-month-old infant (injuries unspecified).
    • A dog (taken to a vet as a precaution).
  • Fleeing Driver: The 22-year-old man was arrested and taken to **St George Hospital** in stable condition.

Emergency Response

NSW Police terminated the pursuit due to safety risks and attended the crash scene.
Paramedics transported all five occupants of the struck vehicle to hospitals, with the dog receiving veterinary care.
The 22-year-old driver was arrested and medically assessed.
Community Impact
The crash has sparked concern in the Picnic Point community due to the involvement of young children and a pet. Residents emphasize the risks of police pursuits in residential areas and the vulnerability of families on local roads.

Police Investigation
The NSW Police are investigating:

  • The circumstances of the pursuit and collision, including the fleeing driver’s actions.
  • Road conditions, speed, and adherence to traffic rules during the pursuit.
  • Potential charges against the 22-year-old driver, including evading police and dangerous driving.

Appeal for Information
Authorities urge anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, or eyewitness accounts from Belmore Road (Riverwood) or The River Road (Picnic Point) around the time of the pursuit or crash to contact police.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:

Road Safety Context
This incident highlights the dangers of police pursuits and the heightened risks to vulnerable road users, including families with young children. Authorities remind drivers to:

  • Comply with police stops to avoid endangering lives.
  • Prioritize safety over evasion during interactions with law enforcement.