Alleged car thief to return to jail following wild Toowoomba CBD arrest

The alleged driver, and two teenage boys, arrested in the Toowoomba CBD following a dramatic stolen car chase have fronted court.

A dramatic arrest has unfolded in Toowoomba's CBD after a police chase involving a stolen car took place on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Picture: Rhylea Millar

A Toowoomba man intercepted by police while driving an alleged stolen car through the CBD was not able to apply for bail as he was on a return to prison warrant.

Police alleged Shanon Leath Washington was driving a car stolen from a Rangeville home, with two women and two teenage boys passengers, when officers forced the car to a halt late Thursday morning.

The car was tracked by ground and air before a tyre deflation device was deployed on Margaret St about 10am.

A dramatic arrest has unfolded in Toowoomba's CBD after a police chase involving a stolen car took place on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Picture: Rhylea Millar

When Mr Washington’s charges were mentioned at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon, the court heard there would be no bail application made on his behalf as a return to prison warrant was activated.

Solicitor Jag MacDonald said MacDonald Law planned to represent Mr Washington and would lodge legal aid paperwork on his behalf.

Mr MacDonald said he would make a submission to police prosecution in regards to one of Mr Washington’s 11 charges – allegedly entering a home and committing a crime.

A dramatic arrest has unfolded in Toowoomba's CBD after a police chase involving a stolen car took place on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Police charged Mr Washington, 31, with the following offences; dangerous operation of a vehicle, driving while passengers not safely restrained, driving unlicensed, entering a dwelling and commit, evading police, obstructing police, stealing, and unlawful use of a car.

Two teenage boys, 16 and 17 years of age, who were charged and arrested at the scene, also had their charges mentioned in court on Friday.

The court heard one of the juveniles was in hospital and would not be able to appear in court.

He was remanded in custody and his matter will next be before the court on Monday, June 19.

The court heard the other teenager planned to apply for bail.

The two women, a 30-year-old North Toowoomba woman, and a 22-year-old Wilsonton Heights woman will have their charges mentioned in court in July.