Reckless driver charged

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A Sunshine North man has been charged after an extended follow and crash in a stolen car in Hoppers Crossing on Thursday.

Alert officers spotted a white Mazda Bravo utility, believed to have been stolen from Hamlyn Heights overnight, driving on the Midland Highway in Gheringhap about 9.05am.

The Air Wing, along with police on the ground, followed the Mazda speeding through Geelong suburbs including Maude, Anakie, Lovely Banks and Corio.

The ute drove along the Princes Freeway before travelling through Werribee and Hoppers Crossing residential streets.

The Mazda slowed down to avoid stop-sticks on Morris Road at the intersection of Sayers Road, before crashing into a tree about 10.30am.

The driver, 25-year-old Sunshine North man, who was arrested at the scene and hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries has since been charged with reckless conduct endanger serious injury, theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, possess a drug of dependence and drive whilst disqualified.