The man allegedly threatened to ram police on two other occasions and later blew double the legal alcohol limit.
Brendan Pritchett, 36, of Kyabram unsuccessfully applied for bail at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 16.
Mr Pritchett faces charges including aggravated intent to expose a police officer to risk by driving, assaulting a police officer, failure to stop on police request, reckless conduct endangering life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
The police informant told the court Mr Pritchett allegedly drove at two tow truck workers on the causeway between Shepparton and Mooroopna, who had been called there to tow a vehicle.
Police saw the incident unfold and positioned their vehicle behind Mr Pritchett so he was contained between them and the tow truck.
The police officers got out and approached Mr Pritchett, who allegedly accelerated into the police vehicle, forcing one of the officers to take evasive action to avoid him.
The other police officer produced their firearm and demanded Mr Pritchett stop; however, he sped off towards Mooroopna.
Mr Pritchett was seen by various police members at different stages on the way to Undera, allegedly travelling at more than 100km/h in a 60km/h zone and overtaking a truck on a blind turn.
He allegedly drove at police for a second time, with two police officers fleeing their vehicle fearing Mr Pritchett would ram it, before he turned to avoid collision and drove off again.
At a different location Mr Pritchett allegedly drove directly at police for a third time but became immobilised in a table drain.
Mr Pritchett allegedly tried to strike a police officer with his fist as they tried to extract him from the vehicle before he was eventually arrested.
He was taken to Shepparton Police Station and breath tested, allegedly blowing 0.107.
Police opposed bail, alleging Mr Pritchett was an unacceptable risk of endangering the safety and welfare of the community, interfering with a witness and failing to answer bail.
The informant told the court if not for the table drain coming in between Mr Pritchett and police, it was highly likely police members could have been serious injured or killed.
Mr Pritchett’s lawyer said if bailed he would have support and treatment available to address issues including alcohol and drug use, and an acquired brain injury.
She said he had a stable address and employment, strong family support and was vulnerable due to mental health issues.
Magistrate David Faram refused bail, saying he wasn’t satisfied compelling reasons had been established.
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