Police have arrested a driver and seized £100K in cash after a pursuit on the A1 through North Yorkshire.
The drama began after a member of the public reported a car being driven erratically on the southbound carriageway of the motorway near Scotch Corner at 1.50pm yesterday (Tuesday).
It was weaving in and out of traffic and undertaking vehicles, while the driver appeared to be on the phone.
Traffic officers located the car travelling near Dishforth, and followed it toward Boroughbridge.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “As they approached Wetherby Services, units got in front of the suspect vehicle and directed the driver to leave the carriageway, into the service station.”
But the car drove at speed through the service station car park towards the hotel at the back, hitting another vehicle on the way.
The driver then abandoned the car and fled across fields.
“Officers pursued on foot and within four minutes of running from the car, the suspect had been located by officers with the support of a police dog,” the force spokesperson said.
“He was arrested for failing to stop when instructed and handcuffed.
“A search of his vehicle uncovered a substantial amount of cash estimated to be around £100,000 and two large tubs of plant food.
“The driver also failed a roadside drug test, testing positive for cocaine.”
A 30-year-old man of no fixed abode has been charged with
- Failing to stop after a road accident
- Proceeds of crime – money laundering
- Possession of criminal property
- Failing to stop when required by a constable
- Dangerous driving
- Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
- Driving without third party insurance
He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at York Magistrates Court at 9.15am tomorrow (Thursday).
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