Police have laid charges on a 16-year-old after a pursuit reaching up to 140km/h involving two allegedly stolen cars.
Newcastle police officers were patrolling Nelson Bay Road at Fern Bay about 4am Thursday when they spotted two vehicles - a grey Hyundai SUV and a grey Mitsubishi four-wheel-drive, which they allege were stolen from properties in Tanilba Bay and Dubbo respectively in the past week.
The drivers allegedly failed to stop and police gave chase along Nelson Bay Road.
It's alleged the vehicles reached speeds of about 140km/h in a sign-posted 70km/h zone.
The vehicles separated at Fullerton Street, Stockton, with police chasing both vehicles in separate directions.
The four-wheel-drive continued through Stockton before police said it drove into the Stockton Centre causing damage to the gates,.
Police claim the driver tried to flee but was arrested.
The driver - a 16-year-old was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, resist officer in execution of duty, and possess prohibited drug. He was refused bail to appear at a children's court later today.
The other vehicle was pursued to the Port Stephens area where police terminated the pursuit.
Police later found the vehicle abandoned in Tanilba Bay.
Inquiries are continuing to identify and find the second driver.
