An unlicensed driver accused of leading police on a chase through the streets of Berkeley before escaping on foot was identified by pursuing officers because of his huge swastika tattoo, a court has heard.
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Police claim they recognised Clinton David Williams and matched him to a driver's licence they found in the abandoned vehicle by his "distinctive face and neck tattoos", which include a large swastika covering the front of his neck.
A set of police facts tendered to Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday said officers were called to Carters Lane in Towradgi on the afternoon of April 27 with reports Williams had a firearm at the location.
While police were speaking with a woman at the scene, they saw a red Toyota Camry leaving the car park at high speed.
The vehicle was seen a short time later in Berkeley but the driver allegedly accelerated away when police tried to follow the car.
The officers gave chase, following the car from Nolan Street onto Northcliffe Drive, then Holborn Street and Southampton Street.
It is alleged the vehicle was being driven erratically, with the driver seen to swerve on the roadway, speed and run through intersections without stopping.
The vehicle came to an abrupt stop outside a home in Southampton Street before the driver allegedly jumped out of the car and fled on foot.
Police gave chase, at which time they claim they were able to identify the person as Williams, but were unable to catch up to him and he evaded capture.
During a subsequent searched of the Camry, police allegedly located Williams' wallet containing his ID, $465 cash, about $14,000 worth of 'ice' and a flick knife.
Meanwhile, police were patrolling Northcliffe Drive on Monday when they saw Williams outside a unit in the Illawong Gardens apartment complex.
He was subsequently found hiding under a pile of clothes behind a lounge inside one of the units.
He was taken to Wollongong Police Station where he was charged with multiple offences including drug supply, dangerous driving and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Arresting officers labelled Williams "a serious risk to the community" and claimed he'd shown "a complete disregard for the law".
"The accused's actions placed members of the public and other road users at significant risk," they wrote in court documents.
Williams fronted court on Tuesday and sought bail, however Magistrate Mark Douglass refused to release him, noting he was already on bail for similar offences at the time.
The matter will return to court on May 13.
