The officers rendered first aid to the hatchback driver but he died at the scene.
Wood said the family of the hatchback driver, who was local to the St Marys area, had been informed of the man’s death.
The 43-year-old man who police say was driving the sedan allegedly fled the scene on foot and was soon arrested in a nearby backyard, where police say he was trying to steal clothes off a washing line. He was taken to Nepean Hospital under police guard for treatment. Wood said the man was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident, and was known to police.
A critical incident is declared when a person is seriously injured or dies during a matter involving a police officer, and a critical incident team from the North Shore Police Area Command will now probe the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will also be subject to an independent review.
Anyone with footage or information about the crash should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Great Western Highway is closed in both directions at St Marys, between Glossop Street and Sydney Street.
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