Man arrested in backyard after allegedly speeding at 170km/h in stolen ute

A 21-year old man has been charged after allegedly being caught doing up to 170km/h in a stolen ute in Melbourne's north.

Victoria Police said its Air Wing was on patrol when officers spotted a Toyota Hilux speeding along the Western Ring Road about 12.40am.

It had false number plates.

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Police in the air guided officers on the ground to Weemala Court in Meadows Heights where the driver dumped the vehicle.

He allegedly ran, and was found in a home's back garden.

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The man, from Dallas, also in the city's north, was charged with theft of motor vehicle, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, reckless conduct endangering life, speed dangerous, breach of bail, drug possession and other driving offences.

Detectives will also interview him about the theft of numerous vehicles in the area.

He was remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.

The vehicle was stolen from outside a Pascoe Vale Road gym in Coolaroo on 30 March, police say.

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