Police warn against ‘vigilante’ action after young female motorbike rider killed in civilian car chase

A pursuit of an alleged stolen car by a member of the public has led to a tragic ‘unintended consequence’ after a woman riding a motorbike was killed.

A ”beautiful, kind” female motorbike rider has died after being struck by a vehicle driven by an alleged ‘vigilante’ who was chasing a stolen car through streets in north Queensland.

Jennifer Board, 22, died when her bike collided head-on with the Statesman sedan alleged to be in pursuit of another car in Townsville late Friday night.

Her sister Siana Board said Ms Board was “the most genuine soul” and a fitness enthusiast who loved the colour orange, the Courier-Mail reported.

Jennifer Board, 22, was tragically killed on Friday night. Picture: Instagram.

One of the vehicles involved in the fatal crash on Ross River Road, Kirwan. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Superintendent Glen Pointing said a person driving the Holden Statesman sedan had allegedly been “aggressively” following an alleged stolen Hyundai hatchback about 10pm.

The vehicles collided at the intersection of Ridley Road and Ross River Road, Kirwan.

The Statesman sedan has then crossed the median strip into the path of the motorcycle, Supt Ponting said.

“It will be alleged the Statesman sedan has aggressively followed this vehicle, (before it) collided with the rear of the vehicle,” Supt Ponting said.

Superintendent Glen Ponting said the driver of the sedan was helping with their inquiries. Picture: Supplied

“The driver of the Statesman has then lost control and the vehicle crossed the centre median strip and collided head-on with a motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction.

“Tragically as a result of that incident a 22-year-old local girl has died.”

Supt Ponting warned against people taking the law into their own hands.

“I very strongly caution against any form of vigilante action,” Supt Ponting said.

“Often times while people may have good intentions, it can result in unintended consequences.”

He said the driver of the Holden Statesman was assisting police with their investigation.

“The result of our investigation will determine if any charges will be laid,” he said.

Supt Ponting said the driver of the alleged stolen Hyundai ‘fled the scene” and about an hour later the vehicle was found abandoned.

The driver was believed to have been the sole occupant of the alleged stolen vehicle and, in light of a number instances involving juveniles in recent times in Townsville, the age of the driver was unknown, he said.

“That vehicle was stolen from an address … on Thursday night, Friday morning … at a break and enter,” he said.