Dramatic police chase unfolds on Toowoomba highway after alleged stolen car tracked by Polair

Here’s what happened when three young men fronted Toowoomba court the morning after a wild police chase in an alleged stolen car following s spate of break and enters.

Three young men who allegedly led police on a dramatic pursuit along the New England Highway that forced other motorists to take evasive action to avoid head-on collisions have faced court.

Police allege David James Chapman and Jarell Hooper, both 18, and a 16-year-old boy stole a white Audi Q3 before the vehicle was spotted heading north on the New England Highway on Monday afternoon.

About 3.15pm the Audi was tracked along Condamine St in Harristown by both Polair and members of the public.

Officers attempted to intercept the vehicle on Morgan Rd, in Emu Creek, when the accused men allegedly rammed a stationary police car and fled, travelling south along the highway, towards Toowoomba.

Three attempts were then made by police to deploy tyre spikes before successfully disabling the car on the fourth attempt.

The vehicle was then abandoned in Harlaxton near the highway.

Following a short pursuit on foot, Chapman, Hooper and the child were taken into custody by police.

Police will allege, that since Wednesday, August 23, the trio had committed a spate of property offences, which included using stolen cars to commit further break and enter crimes.

The trio allegedly broke into a Colman Drive property at Middle Ridge, where they stole cash and a grey Mercedes GLE35.

About 2.45pm on Friday, August 25, the Mercedes was used in an attempted break and enter at a Mantiet Court property in Mount Rascal.

It is alleged that an occupant of the property heard a disturbance and the trio fled the scene in the Mercedes.

The vehicle was then allegedly linked to the Sunday burglary of a Mirrabelle Court property in Westbrook where a number of items, including the white Audi Q3.

Mr Hooper was charged with more charges than the co-accused, which are as follows; nine charges relating to break and enters, four charges relating to stolen vehicles, possession of a used drug pipe, obstructing police, and possessing stolen property.

As Mr Chapman was on bail when the alleged offences occurred, he was charged with two counts of breaching his bail conditions, unlawful use of a stolen car, and possessing stolen property.

The two men appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday, while the 16-year-old boy faced Toowoomba Children’s Court.

After spending a night in the Toowoomba watch-house following their arrest, Mr Hooper told his lawyers he intended to plead guilty, while Mr Chapman’s lawyer had the case adjourned until Wednesday morning for a mention.

Neither Mr Hooper nor Mr Chapman applied for bail, and they were remanded in custody.

The 16-year-old was charged with three counts relating to break and enters, four charges relating to stolen vehicles, driving under the influence with no license, evading and obstructing police, and the dangerous operation of a car.

If you have information for police regarding the incident, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.