Police have charged a 33-year-old Darling Heights man with 81 offences following investigations into multiple alleged property, arson, armed robbery, theft, stolen car and drug incidents across south-west Queensland.
It will be alleged around 8.30pm on Saturday (May 29) Esk police observed the man pulled over on the Warrego Highway in a Toyota Hilux utility allegedly stolen from a Cecil Plains residence earlier that morning. As police approached the vehicle it allegedly left the scene at speed.
Police, including Polair, tracked the vehicle as it continued at high speed along Gatton Esk Road. A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed near Windsor Drive and the car came to a stop shortly after. The man was taken into custody after allegedly trying to run from the scene.
He was later charged with a total of 81 offences from alleged incidents that have taken place between March and May this year in areas including Goondiwindi, Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Esk, Ipswich, Gatton and greater Brisbane. The offences include the alleged arson of several stolen vehicles, multiple break and enters at both business and residential addresses, armed robbery and more.
Detective A/Inspector Paul McCusker said the charges follow extensive investigations into numerous incidents in the region.
"We will continue to work hard to help keep our community safe by tracking down people engaged in alleged criminal activity."
Breakdown of charges:
- 19 counts of enter with intent
- 19 counts of stealing
- 10 counts of unlawful use of vehicle
- 10 counts of burglary
- 9 counts possess tainted property
- 3 counts of arson
- 3 counts of possess dangerous drugs
- 3 traffic-related offences
- 2 counts of evade police; and
- 1 count each of armed robbery, common assault and dangerous operation of a vehicle.
The man is due to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court today.
Toowoomba Detectives continue to investigate numerous other offences that may be linked.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
