Accused car thieves foiled by police chopper in dramatic escape attempt in Mundingburra
Two accused car thieves tried to escape police by jumping fences and scrambling over piles of dirt at a council depot, but they couldn’t lose the chopper following them from above.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two accused car thieves tried to escape police by jumping fences and scrambling over piles of dirt at a council depot, but they couldn’t lose the chopper following them from above.
The incident unfolded in Townsville last Thursday when police, using a chopper, swooped in to arrest two men, aged 35 and 25, as they allegedly tried to flee from a stolen vehicle.
Police said the Toyota Camry was reported stolen from an address on Stuart Dr, Wulguru last Wednesday.
The following day, it was allegedly involved in multiple thefts, including a petrol drive-off.
An aerial search by police located the vehicle in Pimlico, where officers successfully deployed a tyre deflation device around 10am on Thursday.
The stolen car was abandoned on Swales St, Mundingburra, prompting the two men to flee the scene on foot.
The police chopper continued to track their movements, as the men led police on a brief chase jumping over the fences of several homes before they were both eventually arrested.
Footage from the air shows the moment one of the offenders slipped across piles of dirt in the Wellington Street Depot, located behind the Anderson Gardens before an officer cornered him.
A 37-year-old man from Mount Louisa has been charged with obstructing police, stealing, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
He is scheduled to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on June 28.
A 25-year-old man from Kelso faces charges including two counts of stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, obstructing police, driving without a licence, possession of a knife in a public place, and failing to dispose of a needle.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on July 26.
More Coverage
Originally published as Accused car thieves foiled by police chopper in dramatic escape attempt in Mundingburra
‘Build back better’: PM’s promise for buckled bridge
Standing on the Bruce Highway that was ripped apart by raging floodwaters, the Prime Minister has vowed to “build back better” and floodproof North Queensland’s crucial link.
Read more
QLD announces low-interest loans for flood hit farms, businesses
Low interest government loans have been launched to help flood-hit farmers and businesses rebuild, as estimates of sugarcane loss in the Herbert skyrocket. See who’s eligible.
Read more