Australian fugitive mistakes police vehicle for taxi

A man wanted by the Australian police has been charged after flagging down a police car he had mistaken for a taxi on the New South Wales Central Coast while being on the run.

NSW police in a statement on Wednesday said they were called to a hotel in Kincumber just before 2130 local time (AEST) on Tuesday following reports a group had refused to leave the premises when told to do so.

Police say the group became aggressive to officers, who used pepper spray, before one of the group threw a rock at an officer.

Two men were arrested following that altercation but one man managed to escape the scene right after.

Less than an hour later, police spotted the escapee flagging them down for a ride as he had mistaken the police patrol vehicle for a taxi.

"The 29-year-old man, who police believe had been in a nearby waterway as he was dripping wet, was placed under arrest and taken to Gosford Police Station," NSW police said in a statement.

"He was charged with excluded person fail to leave premises when required, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, throw missile at police officer executing duty, and assault officer in execution of duty."

The man has been refused bail and will appear at Gosford Local Court on Wednesday to face those charges. Endit