Police say a vehicle seen driving dangerously through the Hunter on Tuesday afternoon was stolen in Newcastle earlier this month.
The Newcastle Herald previously reported that police tried to stop a 2020 silver Lexus station wagon in Charlestown about 3.30pm before the driver allegedly crossed to the wrong side of the road and took off.
Police monitored the vehicle's progress through Lambton, Broadmeadow and Waratah before they found it abandoned in a shopping centre carpark at Jesmond about 5pm.
Two people are believed to have fled from the vehicle, before a search of the area involving the dog unit and police helicopter took place.
The vehicle was towed from the scene on Tuesday night.
Police said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that the station wagon had been reported stolen from Merewether - it had been taken some time between April 11 and April 12.
Investigators are calling for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of those involved to contact police.