Police have charged a man after a stolen car, carrying stolen vegetables, caught fire on the M1 at Mudgeeraba last night.
It will be alleged that around 10.20pm, officers sighted a 2009 Ford Focus bearing false registration plates driving dangerously in the northbound lanes of the Pacific Motorway at Robina.
The vehicle immediately began shedding debris from under the engine bay, before catching fire.
The driver pulled the vehicle over around the Gooding Drive exit, where he was then taken into custody.
Officers used a fire-extinguisher to prevent escalation of the fire. No one was injured during the incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a significant quantity of sweet potatoes, potatoes, wraps and almond milk, which had been stolen from a fresh-food grocer at Robina shortly beforehand.
The Ford had been reported stolen from Mayfair Place at Stretton in the early hours of May 27.
A 36-year-old Chambers Flat man has now been charged with three counts of stealing, two counts of fraud and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, disqualified driving, drink driving, attaching false plates and possessing tainted property.
He was issued a notice to appear at the Southport Magistrates Court.
To access footage in relation to the arrest, please see the below link:
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.
