Police allege would be car thief Lara Lee Duncan was overpowered by homeowner

A 22-year-old is accused of allegedly attempting to steal a car from a Toowoomba home, only to be overpowered and detained by the owner, has fronted court.

A 22-year-old man has appeared before a Toowoomba court on charges arising from an alleged attempted theft of a car from a Toowoomba home where he was thwarted by the vehicle’s owner.

Police will allege Lara Lee Duncan tried to steal a Volkswagen Tiguan from the open garage of a Kearneys Spring house after 1am on Tuesday.

It is understood the homeowners were alerted to the sound and successfully pulled the alleged offender out of the vehicle.

Toowoomba Detective Senior Sergeant Paul McCusker said police allege Duncan struck the homeowner several times with a pair of keys, before a scuffle ensued.

The incident allegedly ended with the property owner detaining the 22-year-old until police arrived.

Senior Sergeant McCusker said police will also allege Duncan spat in the face of an officer while being held in the watch-house some time later.

Duncan was charged with entering a dwelling and committing an offence, unlawful use of a vehicle, robbery using personal violence and serious assault of a police officer.

He remained in the watch house when his case was mentioned before Toowoomba Magistrates Court Tuesday afternoon.

His solicitor Joe Millican told the court his client would not be making an application for bail at this stage and asked that the matters be adjourned while police compile a brief of evidence.

Magistrate Kay Phillipson said she had received a disease test order application from police to have a sample taken from Duncan.

Mr Millican said his client did not object to that order which was then made.

Ms Phillipson remanded Duncan in custody and adjourned the matter for committal mention back in the same court on March 21.