Two charged after Warrego Hwy crash held in custody

TWO men charged in relation to a two-vehicle crash on the Warrego Highway near Helidon on Monday have been remanded in custody.

Generic jail pic: Neither of the accused applied for bail.

TWO men arrested after allegedly being involved in a two vehicle crash on the Warrego Highway at the foot of the Toowoomba Range on Monday afternoon have been remanded in custody.

Police claim Jesse Lee Jenkins, 26, and Lachlan Mark Freund, 21, had been driving in a stolen utility on the Warrego Highway near Helidon about 2pm when they were spotted by a police patrol responding to another matter.

Acting Inspector Regan Draheim of Toowoomba Police said the officers had tried to stop the orange utility but it had sped away, crossing the highway and driving off in the opposite direction.

Police did not pursue the vehicle, however, a short time later it is alleged the utility crossed the highway again and collided with a tow-truck coming the other way.

The 46-year-old driver of the truck sustained serious leg injuries and was later taken to Toowoomba Hospital where he underwent surgery.

Acting Inspector Draheim said the truck driver was reportedly in a stable condition in hospital.

After the crash, Jenkins had been apprehended while it is alleged Freund fled the scene on foot only to be nabbed by  police attending another matter nearby.

A search of the utility by police allegedly turned up a number of items of property which police believe were taken during a break-in of a residence in Toowoomba hours earlier.

The pair spent the night in custody before making separate appearances before Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

Jenkins, who is accused of being the driver of the utility, was not required to enter pleas to charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, evading police, driving disqualified, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, failing to properly dispose of a needle and syringe, obstructing police and two counts of attempting to enter a vehicle.

His solicitor Claire Graham said her client would not be applying for bail at this stage.

Jenkins blew kisses to a woman in the court gallery and waved as he was led from the court after Magistrate Kay Ryan remanded him in custody and adjourned his case to January 14.

Freund was not required to enter pleas to unlawful use of a motor vehicle, obstructing police, failing to properly dispose of a needle and syringe and entering a dwelling with intent.

His solicitor Amber Acreman said her client would not be applying for bail and he was remanded in custody to appear in court on December 18.

Originally published as Two charged after Warrego Hwy crash held in custody