A Victoria Police spokesperson said police had arrested “two waterlogged thieves” after detectives noticed the pair driving what appeared to be a brand-new black Triton ute on Cumberland Rd, Pascoe Vale, about 12.50am.
Police confirmed the vehicle was stolen after checking the NSW registration plates, the spokesperson said.
Officers tried to intercept the vehicle before it sped away in an erratic manner, they said.
Police Airwing assisted officers to follow the ute through Broadmeadows, the Calder Fwy, into Sunbury and then Macedon.
The spokesperson said Broadmeadows van members were able to stop the vehicle on Black Forest Rd.
Uniform officers, airwing and the dog squad then closed in on the pair after they fled from the vehicle on foot into scrubland, they said.
Police dog Ted and his handler led officers to a farm dam where the pair were found half-submerged and “cold, wet and shivering”.
Police arrested the 25-year-old woman and 24-year-old man, of no fixed address, and they are currently assisting police with their enquiries.
Echuca Acting Senior Sergeant Stuart Poulton confirmed the vehicle was the one stolen from Echuca Car Sales last week.
The police spokesperson said the pair will be interviewed in relation to motor car theft and dangerous driving while being pursued by police.
The man was also wanted on warrants in relation to matters including dangerous driving while being pursued by police and aggravated burglary.
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