A POLICE officer copped a kick to the chest as officers arrested a man who allegedly raced through Port Stephens suburbs at speeds of up to 165km/h in the early hours of Friday.
Rhys James Allen remains in custody after his first court appearance over the alleged incident.
Officers attempted to stop a black Ford ute on Bagnalls Beach Road at Corlette about 3am.
The car failed to stop as directed and police began a pursuit.
They followed the utility through Corlette, Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay.
Police alleged the vehicle reached speeds of up to 165km/h through the quiet seaside areas before stopping on Spinnaker Way in Corlette.
The driver attempted to flee to a waiting Toyota Rav4, police said.
"Police will allege as they attempted to remove the man from the Toyota, he has kicked an officer in the chest," NSW Police said in a statement.
Police arrested Mr Allen, 30, and charged him with police pursuit, custody of a knife, assault police, possess prohibited drug and driving whilst suspended.
He was on bail for a previous matter at the time.
Mr Allen did not apply for bail - and it was formally refused - when he faced Raymond Terrace Local Court on Friday.
Magistrate John Chicken adjourned the matter to June 24.
