Boy charged over Gold Coast police pursuit

A boy, 16, allegedly drove on the wrong side of the road and hit a traffic island as he led police on a pursuit through a Gold Coast suburb.

Police allege the incident was sparked when officers found a ute doing burnouts at Mudgeeraba about 1.30am (AEST) on Saturday.

A pursuit ensued, with the ute allegedly crossing on the wrong side of the road and a roundabout before the driver lost control and hit a traffic island.

A male passenger fled on foot, but officers kept following the ute along the Pacific Motorway before it pulled over near an off-ramp.

The driver was then arrested.

Police are searching for the male passenger.

A boy, 16, has been charged with one count each of failing to stop, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and driving without a licence.

He will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.