A DRIVER in a stolen van rammed a police ARV when officers caught up with him after a short pursuit.
The chase began last night after the motorist, who was also suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, made off from Hopwood Services without paying for fuel.
The police vehicles forced the van to stop and arrested the man on suspicion of drink-driving, theft and dangerous driving.
He was later charged with fail to provide a specimen of breath, criminal damage to a police vehicle, theft of fuel and failing to stop for police.
Fortunately no officers were injured in the encounter.