About 7.30am on Wednesday, two men were travelling in a white utility, when an off-duty police officer allegedly saw one stealing items from a charity bin on Lampe Street, Talbingo.

When approached, the pair fled in the car but were soon spotted by other officers on West Blowering Road, before entering Bago State Forest.

Police continued to patrol the area, until the car was again observed on West Blowering Road.

The driver allegedly failed to stop for police and continued at speed to the top of Blowering Dam Wall. The two occupants fled on foot, before they were both arrested following a chase.

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The driver, a 45-year-old man, was taken to Tumut District Hospital for mandatory testing.

During a search of the vehicle, police located items believed to have been stolen from the charity bin, as well as property alleged to have been stolen from break and enter offences in Talbingo late last month.

The driver was released from hospital and taken to Tumut Police Station where he was charged with 13 offences, including failing to provide samples, property offences, and two outstanding warrants.

He was refused bail to appear in Wagga Local Court on Thursday.

His passenger, a 37-year-old man, was also taken to Tumut Police Station and charged with larceny and goods in custody.

He is due to appear at Tumut Local Court on August 23.

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