Toowoomba police arrest two after wild crime spree

Police were arresting a woman caught behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle when a wanted man rolled past the scene in a second stolen vehicle.

Police allege Michael Wade Hearn rammed two police vehicles after pursuit in Murphys Creek on March 20.

Several police officers were lucky to walk away from an incident unharmed after a known offender rammed two police vehicles at the weekend.

Toowoomba Detective Acting-Senior Sergeant John Cunningham said police were in the process of arresting a 36-year-old Shantel Ann-Maree Lucas who was allegedly caught behind the wheel of a stolen Mazda at the intersection on Taylor and McGregor Streets early Sunday morning.

Police will allege 22-year-old Michael Wade Hearn drove past the scene in a stolen utility.

Police identified Hearn as a suspect in several recent burglaries.

They tracked him through the city to Murphys Creek where they deployed a spike trap on Murphys Creek Road deflated the vehicle’s tires.

Police allege Michael Wade Hearn collided with this police vehicle after officers spikes the tires of the stolen utility he was travelling in.

It is alleged Hearn collided with a police vehicle causing significant damage to the front drivers side panel.

“The offender has decamped and committed further break and enter offences in the Murphy’s Creek area,” Sgt Cunningham said.

Over the course of Sunday morning the offender broke into several homes before stealing a second car.

Sgt Cunningham said police intercepted this vehicle which resulted in Hearn allegedly colliding head-on with a second police wagon, causing significant damage.

No police officers were injured.

Michael Wade Hearn is charged with 31 offences and will face Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday.

They include four counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle, two counts of evading police, seven counts of disqualified driving and five burglary-type of offences.

Hearn was not required to appear in court and remained in the watch house as duty solicitor Julia Molloy told the court there would be no application for bail.

Ms Molloy said her client intended to plead guilty to the charges and asked for a sentence hearing date.

Magistrate Kay Philipson remanded Hearn in custody and adjourned the matter to April 8 with Hearn to appear by video link.

Ms Lucas is charged with 26 offences including six counts of stealing, five burglary-type offences and two counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle.

She made no application for bail and was remanded in custody with her matters adjourned for mention back in the same court on May 16.