Innocent victim caught up in police pursuit crash identified
The innocent victim left fighting for life after being caught in the middle of a police pursuit has been identified as 21-year-old medical student and author Lidija Faamau.
Faamau was studying a Bachelor of Medical Science at Western Sydney University.
She remains fighting for life in Liverpool Hospital with her family by her side.
21-year-old Lidija Faamau remains in Liverpool Hospital.
21-year-old Lidija Faamau remains in Liverpool Hospital. (Nine)

A high-speed chase in Sydney’s south-west ended in a dramatic crash on Wednesday, involving a 17-year-old boy who police say reached speeds of up to 140 km/h. The teenager, who was out on bail, was behind the wheel of a stolen ute that collided with another vehicle on the Hume Highway.

The terrifying incident unfolded when the stolen ute crashed into a BMW sedan carrying Faamau and two of her friends. The crash also involved a Toyota Yaris hatchback at the intersection of the Hume Highway and Moore Street.

The police pursuit was initially sparked when the driver of the ute refused to pull over. However, authorities decided to halt the chase shortly after it began, citing safety concerns. Yet, the pursuit resumed after the teenager allegedly attempted to reverse the ute into the police.

As the chase continued, the ute reportedly ran a red light before colliding with the BMW and Toyota Yaris, causing significant damage and potential injuries.

The teen was charged with eight offences.
The teen was charged with eight offences. (Nine)

In response to the incident, Police Minister Yasmin Catley expressed her concerns, stating, “Firstly, my heart goes out to her, and I do hope that she makes a full recovery, and I’m sure that her family are around her.” Her words highlight the community’s concerns for those involved in such reckless and dangerous events.

“Well, firstly, can I say my heart goes out to her, and I do hope that she makes a full recovery, and I’m sure that her family are around her,” Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.

Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said the actions of the 17-year-old boy were reckless.

“There’s absolutely no suggestion other than his actions are dangerous,” he said.

“It’s absolutely abhorrent that he continues that behaviour and reverses into a police vehicle as a sign of defiance and anti-social.”

The boy was charged with eight offences: two counts of aggravated dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm, escaping pursuit, driving unlicensed, breaching bail, and two counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct.

He was refused bail and will reappear in court next week. 

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