Police said the blue Holden Commodore ute was stolen from Muckatah, near Katamatite, between 11pm on Sunday, April 20 and 8am on Monday, April 21.
Police spotted it about 3.45pm in Mackellar Cres in Mooroopna where it was allegedly involved in ramming a police car, causing minor damage to the police vehicle, police said.
The ute travelled across the causeway to Shepparton, and police allege it ran a red light as it turned from Fryers St to Wyndham St.
It was allegedly involved in a police pursuit, but officers terminated it due to erratic driving by the ute in Shepparton, police said.
The ute was found a short time later dumped in the car park at Riverside Plaza in Kialla.
Two men were arrested on Wednesday, April 23 in relation to the matter.
A 20-year-old Mooroopna man was charged with theft of a vehicle, aggravated reckless exposure of a police officer to risk by driving in a stolen vehicle, damaging an emergency services vehicle by reckless driving, dangerous driving while pursued by police and driving at a dangerous speed.
He has also been charged with driving while disqualified, failing to stop after an accident, two counts of handling stolen goods, committing an indictable offence while on bail, and five counts of contravening a bail condition.
He has been remanded in custody, to face Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 24.
A 56-year-old Mooroopna man has been charged with theft of a vehicle and possession of cannabis.
He has been bailed to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Anyone who saw the ute driving on Monday, or who has dashcam footage, is asked to contact Detective Senior Constable Amy McColl at Cobram Crime Investigation Unit on 5871 2866 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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