By ALENA HIGGINS
THE hunt for a missing NSW family came to a dramatic conclusion at Warwick on Tuesday night after they were allegedly involved in a car crash near Rosenthal Heights.
Ashley Groizard, 27, Michael Holman, 32, and their three-month-old son Blake were last seen leaving a relative’s house at Mirabooka, in the NSW mid north coast, on Monday morning in a silver sedan.
Officers attached to the Lake Macquarie local area command commenced investigations after family members described the couple’s behavior as “erratic” and “unusual”, prompting fears for the baby’s welfare.
The saga spilled over the border on Tuesday when around 8pm (AEST), the Holden Commodore was allegedly sighted driving dangerously along Weewondilla Road and Wood and Palmerin streets.
Police attempted to intercept the vehicle, but the female driver allegedly failed to comply with the officer’s direction to stop.
A short time later, officers located the trio at the scene of a collision at the intersection of Bracker Road and Dragon Street.
They were more than 650 kilometres from home.
A woman was taken to Warwick hospital with minor injuries while the infant was also taken in for observation.
Following questioning overnight, a 27-year-old woman has been charged with seven counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and one count each of failing to remain at the scene of a crash, evade police, willful damage, possession of a dangerous drug and driving under the influence of drugs.
A 32-year-old man has been charged with two counts each of assault police, willful damage and possess dangerous drugs.
Queensland police confirmed the incident related to a missing person investigation.
NSW police made an urgent appeal for public help in finding the three-month-old and his parents from Aberdare earlier in the day.
“It is believed they may be heading towards Sydney or Queensland, possibly considering leaving the country,” inspector Bruce McGregor said at a press conference.
“We have information, we need to check the family’s welfare, because there’s a question of mental stability of one of the parents and we want to just see everything’s OK.”
Police have thanked the media and members of the public for their assistance.
