Alleged bobcat thief leads police on wild pursuit through Darling Downs and northern NSW

A police officer was injured after a man allegedly stole a truck carrying a bobcat and drove wildly through the Somerset and Darling Downs regions before heading south over the border.

A man has been charged after a police pursuit from Queensland into northern NSW that saw two police vehicles hit and an officer injured. Photo: 2GB.

A police officer was injured while trying to stop a man who allegedly stole a bobcat and took it for a wild ride around the Darling Downs and northern NSW.

NSW Police said that a table-top truck laden with a bobcat was allegedly stolen from the Boonah Showgrounds in the early hours of Thursday morning.

It was later observed on the Gore Highway at Millmerran where police attempted to intercept it.

The driver allegedly rammed the police vehicle, injuring a 27-year-old senior constable who was treated in hospital for minor injuries and later released.

The driver continued south on the Gore Highway, crossing into NSW.

Police south of the border attempted to intercept the truck about 100km north of Moree but it is alleged 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; however, the driver continued south.

A man has been charged after a police pursuit from Queensland into northern NSW that saw two police vehicles hit and an officer injured. Photo: 2GB.

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 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 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.

He was taken to Moree District Hospital for assessment and mandatory blood and urine testing.

The bobcat sustained significant damage when the truck hit the power pole.

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.

The man was charged with using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, driving with a cancelled licence, receiving property stolen outside NSW, and negligent, predatory and reckless driving.

The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Inverell Local Court on Friday.