Car travels 170km/h in wrong direction on Western Freeway
Police say it is "extremely lucky" there was not a serious crash after an allegedly stolen car travelled at high speed on the wrong side of the road on the Western Freeway last night.
Two men were arrested and charged after police eventually burst the tyres of the car during a pursuit.
According to police, the blue Ford sedan was initially spotted by the police airwing, speeding on the Western Freeway towards Bacchus Marsh about 10.15pm on Sunday.
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It is alleged the was driving at more than 160km/h.
After being spotted, it is alleged the car then travelled on the wrong side of the freeway, reaching speeds of more than 170km/h.
"Due to the manner of driving and the extreme risk to the public officers on the ground initiated a pursuit," police said in a statement.
The car exited the freeway before police successfully deployed stop sticks on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road near the intersection of Coburns Road.
A short time later the car came to a stop and the two men who were in the car at the time, a 28-year-old from Darley and a 35-year-old man from Melton, were arrested.
The 35-year-old Melton man has been charged with reckless conduct endanger serious injury, conduct endangering life, commit indictable offence while on bail, manner dangerous, speed dangerous, recklessly drive while being pursued by police and other traffic offences.
The 28-year-old man who was a passenger in the vehicle has been charged with theft of motor car and commit indictable offence while on bail.
The pair have been held over to appear at Sunshine Magistrates' Court this morning.
"Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash cam to come forward after a number of vehicles were extremely lucky to escape being hit by the oncoming car," police said.
The men were was also found to be in breach of the directions issued by the Chief Health Officer and were each issued a $1652 penalty notice.
The arrests form part of Operation United, an operation targeting a range of high harm offences including robberies, aggravated burglaries, armed robberies, car jackings and assaults.
Anyone with information or dash cam is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au