Dramatic truck chase ends in NSW town of Moree after bobcat allegedly stolen in QLD

A truck driver has been charged after leading police on a dramatic chase from Queensland into northern NSW, allegedly hitting two cop cars and injuring an officer.

A truck driver has been charged after leading police on a dramatic chase over hundreds of kilometres from Queensland into northern NSW, allegedly hitting two cop cars and injuring an officer.

Around 6pm on Thursday, QLD Police notified NSW Police that a tabletop truck, allegedly laden with a stolen bobcat, had entered NSW at Boggabilla and was being driven south along the Newell Highway

They were advised the truck had been followed by Queensland Police, with a 27-year-old senior constable sustaining minor injuries when his vehicle was allegedly rammed at Millmerran. He has been treated in hospital and allowed to leave.

NSW Police attempted to intercept the truck about 100km north of Moree, however, will allege the driver ignored directions and continued south, frequently crossing to the incorrect side of the highway.

A pursuit was initiated with road spikes deployed at the Gwydir River Bridge, 10km north of Moree, which deflated one front tyre, but the driver continued south.

Vision of the police pursuit near Moree. Source: Facebook

Two police cars were hit in the pursuit. Source: Facebook

A fully-marked NSW Police caged-truck, which had been positioned to block northbound traffic as a precaution, was clipped by the truck south of Moree, rendering it unusable.

The truck allegedly continued on the wrong side of the highway for a further 10km before hitting a power pole snapping it off and dislodging the bobcat from the tray. Powerlines were also brought down, impacting police and other motorists.

The truck was again driven from the scene – leaving the bobcat behind – allegedly continuing to swerve into northbound lanes. Dozens of light and heavy vehicles were forced to pull off the highway taking evasive action to avoid a collision with the oncoming truck.

The truck was carrying a bobcat which had been reported stolen the morning before. Source: Facebook

The truck eventually came to a stop south of Gurley, about 30km south of Moree, with the front nearside wheel ground down to the steel hub, and police arrested the alleged driver, a 24-year-old man from Quirindi.

The man was charged with use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, drive while licence cancelled, receive property stolen outside NSW, Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), predatory driving, and drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous.

Inquiries reveal the bobcat was reported stolen from Boonah showground in Queensland yesterday morning. It sustained significant damage when the truck hit the power pole.

The Newell Highway was closed in both directions between Moree and Bellata for several hours while the scene was examined and the wreckage removed.

Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam vision — especially truck drivers — of this incident to contact Moree Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

There were no injuries to NSW Police officers or members of the public as consequence of this incident.

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