Peteli John Afoa: Man charged with attempting to set police cars on fire

‘Extremely alarming’: A man who allegedly snuck into the back of a police station before trying to set three police cars on fire has fronted Dalby court. See the full details:

A man who was allegedly caught moments away from lighting three police cars on fire after he snuck through the back of Tara police station has applied for bail in Dalby Magistrate Court.

Police allege Peteli John Afoa dragged chairs underneath police vehicles in Tara before he doused them in petrol at 3am on July 24.

It is further alleged he was stopped by officers just moments before being able to light them on fire, and was immediately taken into custody.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said the 20-year-old was seen patting himself down in an apparent attempt to locate a lighter.

Sergeant Hutchins suggested the young man seek a mental health examination before being granted bail.

“There was no one else involved and no motive,” he said.

“It’s sad to say but if he had recently been dealt with by police and doing it as revenge, it’d make sense.”

He emphasised to the court the danger in which the Tara man was placing both the police and the wider community.

“To take our police vehicles away from the community, that means service would go unanswered.”

Lawyer Julia Molloy said her client had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and couldn’t offer any reason behind his behaviour.

“It’s quite unusual offending, even so for my client,” she said.

Magistrate Andrew Cridland emphasised how disturbing the allegations were.

“To carry a chair and place it under a police car with the intent to light it up is extremely alarming,” Mr Cridland said.

“He needs a mental health examination.”

Afoa was remanded in custody and will apply for bail once a mental health examination is completed.

He is set to appear in Dalby court on September 9.