A police pursuit that ended with a vehicle crashing into a tree near Kingscliff last year is under review, with Richmond Police District investigators examining the circumstances surrounding officers’ actions during the incident.

The review relates to a pursuit involving officers from the neighbouring Tweed/Byron Police District on December 18, 2025.

Police allege Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop an SUV on the Pacific Highway at Tanglewood, south of Kingscliff, about 6.40pm because of the manner in which it was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued along Clothiers Creek Road before police briefly lost sight of the vehicle near the intersection of Sliprails Road.

A short time later, officers located the SUV after it had crashed into a tree.

Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance and VRA Rescue NSW crews attended the scene and freed the driver from the vehicle.

The 23-year-old driver was treated at the scene before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital. He was released from hospital in January.

Police will allege blood analysis later returned a reading of 0.054.

The man was served with a court attendance notice on May 27 and is due to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court today (Monday) charged with police pursuit – fail to stop – drive dangerously, low-range drink driving, failing to stop at a stop sign and exceeding the speed limit.

A critical incident team from Richmond Police District launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding police involvement in the pursuit.

The investigation will now be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.