A 27-year-old Windale man was arrested in Raymond Terrace on Tuesday morning, almost 24 hours after he is alleged to have been involved in a collision along Nelson Bay Road.

Following the collision, it is alleged the man attempted to steal the car of a passerby who stopped to help before fleeing into bushland on foot.

Police said a Suzuki Swift and a Toyota Yaris were travelling in opposite directions on Nelson Bay Road about 7.30am on May 27 when the vehicles collided.

A member of the public stopped to assist the occupants of the Suzuki Swift - a male driver and two female passengers.

It is alleged the driver of the Swift approached the car belonging to the man assisting and attempted to leave the scene of the crash in it.

The good samaritan was able to retrieve his keys.

The man then fled the scene into nearby bushland on foot.

Police attended and searched for the man, however, he was unable to be located.

About 8.10am on Tuesday, May 28 officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District stopped a taxi travelling on Richardson Road, Raymond Terrace and spoke with a 27-year-old man.

He was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The Windale man was charged with nine offences including negligent driving, two counts of drive whilst disqualified and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.

He was refused bail in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday and is due to reappear at the same court on June 11.