Police charge 17-year-old boy in relation to two armed robberies in Toowoomba

A group of teens allegedly armed with a golf club and hammer forced their way into an elderly couple’s home, made threats and trashed the place before leaving. Police have arrested one, and are closing in on others.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old over an alleged armed robbery, with officers continuing to search for others involved in the incident. Photo: Generic image.

Police have arrested two males in relation to a frightening home invasion in Toowoomba and are working with NSW police to locate a third alleged co-accused.

Toowoomba Detective Senior Sergeant Paul McCusker said three young men allegedly forced their way into a Middle Ridge home about 5.30am on August 14 and threatened the elderly occupants.

“The offenders were (allegedly) armed with a golf club and a hammer and made demands for the occupant’s car keys,” he said

“They left empty-handed but caused property damage into the dwelling as well as a great deal of distress to the occupants.”

Investigations revealed the group alleged fled in a stolen white Toyota RAV4 SUV and within 30 minutes of the Middle Ridge home invasion, they approached a man at a Toowoomba motel.

“Again they were armed but on this occasion with a knife and metal bar,” Senior Sergeant McCusker said.

“The man was forced from his vehicle and his vehicle, a Ford Falcon sedan, was stolen.

“Both stolen vehicles then proceeded towards Goondiwindi with one of the vehicles, the Falcon, abandoned in Boggabilla NSW and the other the Toyota RAV4 in Goondiwindi.”

Toowoomba Property Crime Unit, with the assistance of the Goondiwindi Criminal Investigation Branch, identified two of the three alleged offenders.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in Brisbane on August 27, in relation to other matters allegedly running from a stolen vehicle.

He is charged with one count each of attempted armed robbery, armed robbery and stealing, along with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle arising from the Toowoomba offences.

“The other 17-year-old male sought by police is believed to be interstate and a warrant has been issued for his arrest with police attempting to locate his whereabouts and take appropriate enforcement action,” Senior Sergeant McCusker said.

Goondiwindi police alongside general duties and Tactical Crime Squad attended a Goondiwindi address August 27, where a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody in relation to alleged property offences committed between June 13 and 16 in the Goondiwindi area.

He has been charged with two counts each of attempted enter dwelling with intent and enter dwelling with intent and four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and was expected to appear before Warwick Children’s Court today, August 28.

Anyone with information about the offence, or the alleged offenders’ locations, is urged to phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.