A RECIDIVIST drug driver was caught speeding into oncoming traffic before driving directly at a police officer in a pursuit through Canberra’s south yesterday (August 25).

At about 4.30pm, police spotted a Subaru Forester driven by a 27-year-old man who was subject to an outstanding warrant for driving offences.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle in a cul-de-sac; however, the driver increased his speed, drove directly at police and mounted the kerb.

Police tracked the vehicle through several suburbs where it reached speeds of more than 80km/h in a 60km/h zone.

On Tharwa Drive in Gordon, the driver veered into oncoming traffic and drove directly at an officer who was outside his car.

The pursuit was terminated due to ongoing concerns for public safety.

The man then drove directly through an intersection, crossing the median strip of the Monaro Highway into oncoming southbound traffic, after which he collided with two vehicles and a tree before being apprehended by police.

The man was driving on a disqualified licence and later tested positive for an illicit substance.

He has been charged with two counts of failing to stop for police and driving a motor vehicle at police, and single counts of disqualified driving and dangerous driving.

Yesterday, police also stopped a man in a Hyundai Elantra who was disqualified from driving.

Police stopped the man just after 9.40pm and confirmed the 49-year-old driver was subject to a good behaviour order including a condition not to drive a motor vehicle. He has been charged with driving while disqualified.

And at about 10.25pm, police also apprehended a 36-year-old man who was driving unlicensed, at an excessive speed with an illicit substance in his system. The man has also been charged with driving while disqualified in addition to drug driving.

All three men are set to face the ACT Magistrates Court where police will oppose bail.