It was a busy 9 days for police in Northern Rivers police districts - real gun, toy gun, bungled bank robbery, stabbing death, two-state police pursuit, domestic violence, police shooting, vehicle crashes whist fleeing, tourist lost in bushland

 

NSW Police News

Critical incident declared following pursuit and crash - Coffs/Clarence PD

Thursday, 12 December 2024 12:30:09 PM

A critical incident investigation has been declared following a police pursuit and crash near Coffs Harbour today.

About 7.45am (Thursday 12 December 2024), police were patrolling the Pacific Highway at Tucabia – about 15km east of Grafton – when they attempted to stop a vehicle due to its alleged speed.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated; however, was soon terminated due to the manner of driving.

A second pursuit was initiated a short time later, before the car allegedly conducted a U-turn at Dirty Creek into the path of an oncoming truck, resulting in a collision.

The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man, was treated at the scene by police and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the truck, a 50-year-old man, was not injured; however, was taken to Grafton Hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and the scene will be forensically examined by the Crash Investigation Unit.

A critical incident team from Mid North Coast Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Pacific Highway at Dirty Creek is expected to remain closed northbound for some time.

Diversions are in place and delays are expected. For traffic updates visit: www.livetraffic.com

Missing hiker located safe - Tweed/Byron PD

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 03:05:35 PM

A missing hiker has been located safe on the state's far north coast.

The 54-year-old was believed to have been hiking at Wollumbin when he was last heard from about 9.30pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Police were told that the man spoke with a friend that night, indicating he was lost in the Wollumbin National Park.

When he was unable to be contacted on Sunday (8 December 2024), police attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Officers, with assistance from NSW and Qld PolAir, NSW Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW SES, RFS and VRA conducted an extensive search.

Following inquiries, about 12:35pm today (Wednesday 11 December 2024, the man was located on Tyalgum Road, Tyalgum, after walking out of bushland.

He was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital for assessment and treatment for minor lacerations.

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Critical incident declared after man shot - Grafton

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 10:56:02 AM

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was shot by police in the states far north coast this morning.

About 6.30am (Wednesday 11 December 2024), officers attached to the Coffs/ Clarence Police District were called to a park on Ryan Street, Grafton, responding to reports of a concern for welfare.

On arrival, police located and attempted to engage with a man.

The man allegedly approached police and threatened them with a knife before he was shot by police.

The officers immediately rendered first aid until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The man was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable but serious condition.

The police officers were not physically injured.

A critical incident team from Richmond Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Man charged over alleged stabbing and pursuit - Northern Rivers

Sunday, 08 December 2024 08:18:59 AM

A man will appear in court today via audio visual link after being charged following an alleged stabbing and pursuit in the Northern Rivers.

Emergency services were called to Ballanda Crescent, Iulka, about 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday 7 December 2024), following reports a man armed with a knife had allegedly forced his way into a home and attacked the resident.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the 58-year-old man died at the scene.

A crime scene was established and inquiries commenced into the circumstances surrounding his death.

A short time later, police attempted to stop a man driving a 4WD ute north along the Pacific Highway.

When the driver allegedly ignored police directions, a pursuit was initiated and continued north from Iluka to Woodburn, where road spikes were successfully deployed by officers attached to Coffs Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

The ute continued to Uralba Street, Woodburn, where a 41-year-old man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Hospital for assessment, before being taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with murder, predatory driving and police pursuit-not stop-drive dangerously.

He was refused bail and will appear via audio visual link today in Parramatta Local Court.

Man charged over alleged DV and pursuits in Northern NSW

Saturday, 07 December 2024 07:18:56 AM

A man will appear in court today after being charged over an alleged domestic violence incident and a number of police pursuits in the state’s Northern Rivers.

On Sunday 17 November 2024, Richmond Police District commenced an investigation following an alleged domestic violence incident.

An arrest warrant was issued for a 22-year-old man.

Officers will allege in court the man engaged in pursuits on Monday 18 November 2024, Monday 2 December 2024 and Wednesday 4 December 2024 in a bid to avoid arrest.

About 5:45pm yesterday (Friday 6 December 2024), the 22-year-old was located traveling south on the M1 Motorway, Tweed Heads in a four wheel drive.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, the four wheel drive exited the motorway at Minjungbal Drive, Banora Point and allegedly collided with a sedan which was stopped at traffic lights, pushing the stationary vehicle into a marked police car travelling in the opposite direction.

The 22-year-old man allegedly abandoned the four wheel drive and forcibly removed a male rider from a moped, before driving off.

The man allegedly drove at police vehicles on the M1, before falling off the bike and attempting to run from the scene.

He was arrested by officers and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with:

• Reckless grievous bodily harm (DV);

• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm);

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period;

• Drive conveyance taken wihtout consent of owner;

• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Destroy or damage property;

• Not give particulars to other driver;

• Assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle - Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 7 December 2024).

Appeal to locate men wanted on warrants - Coffs-Clarence Police District

Friday, 06 December 2024 06:03:46 PM

Please note: Images of the wanted men are available on Coffs-Clarence Police District’s Eyewatch social media site.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two men wanted on outstanding arrest warrants by Coffs-Clarence Police District.

Richard Carey, aged 37, and Dray Riley, aged 26, are wanted on outstanding warrants for domestic violence offences.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District are conducting inquiries into their whereabouts.

Richard is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-180cm tall, of solid build, with black hair and facial hair, and blue eyes.

Dray is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm-180cm tall, of thin build, with black hair and facial hair, and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees the men is urged not to approach them but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Man charged after allegedly pointing gun at officer - Tabulam

Friday, 06 December 2024 10:40:33 AM

A man will face court today after he allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a police officer following a pursuit in the state’s far north east.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attempted to stop a car due the alleged manner of driving in Tabulam about 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024).

When the male driver allegedly failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit.

The driver stopped in Alice and when an officer attempted to arrest the man, he allegedly pointed a loaded pistol at the officer.

The officer discharged his Taser and the man was arrested.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized drugs, cash, ammunition and magazines, a balaclava, large machete and other drug paraphernalia.

The 24-year-old man was taken to Casino Police Station and charged with 17 offences:

> Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly

> Possess unauthorised pistol

> Possess unauthorised firearm

> Possess loaded firearm public place

> Use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part

> Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention

> Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority

> Assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Hinder or resist police officer in execution of duty

> Supply prohibited drug

> Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period

> Drive while licence cancelled

> Custody of knife in public place

> Two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime

> Two counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle).

He was refused bail to appear at Casino Local Court today (Friday 6 December 2024).

Police will allege in court the pistol was stolen from a business in Armidale in September 2024.

Man charged after allegedly threatening staff with toy gun - Ballina

Friday, 06 December 2024 08:42:09 AM

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening bank employees on the states far north coast yesterday.

Police were told about 11am (Thursday 5 December 2024), a man entered a financial institution on River Street, Ballina, and allegedly threatened staff before showing an employee what appeared to be a firearm.

The man left and walked across the road to another financial institution where it is alleged he again threatened staff before showing the employees what was believed to be a firearm.

There were no reports of injuries.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and arrested a 36-year-old man a short distance away on River Street, Ballina.

Police searched the man when they located a toy gun.

The man was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with two counts stalk / intimidate intend fear physical harm.

He was refused bail and appeared before Ballina Local Court yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024) and is now bail refused, to appear before the same court on Thursday 23 January 2025.

Man charged over alleged pursuit - Far North Coast

Wednesday, 04 December 2024 12:51:03 PM

A man will face court today charged over an alleged pursuit on the Far North Coast yesterday afternoon.

About 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 December 2024), officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were alerted by Queensland Police that an SUV – which was allegedly driving dangerously - had entered NSW near Tweed Heads and was being driven south along the M1.

NSW Police intercepted the SUV a short time later on the M1 at Cudgera Creek and attempted to stop the vehicle.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, continuing south where road spikes were deployed.

The tyres deflated and the vehicle came to a stop on the M1 at Wardell where a 31-year-old Queensland man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester, class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 45km/h - estimated, drive vehicle under influence of drugs, refuse or fail to submit to breath test, and refuse or fail to submit to breath analysis.

He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 4 December 2024).

The mills of the gods grind slowly but they grind small....

Queensland born, former school teacher, football coach, sports administrator, political speech writer, author, commentator, media 'personality' and, current member of the Liberal Party of Australia, Australian Media Hall of Fame inductee, Order of Australia recipient and climate change sceptic, made the news yesterday.

NSW Police News, Monday, 18 November 2024 03:02:31 PM

Child Abuse Squad detectives charge man over alleged historic indecent assault and sexual touching offences

Child Abuse Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into alleged indecent assault and sexual touching offences spanning two decades.

In March 2024, State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin to investigate a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019.

Following extensive inquiries, about 7.45am today (Monday 18 November 2024), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a unit in Circular Quay where they arrested an 83-year-old man.

The man was taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with a total of 24 offences against eight victims, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault- victim under authority of offender, nine counts of assault with act of indecency, two counts of sexually touch another person without consent and two counts of common assault.

He was granted conditional bail, to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 18 December 2024.

A busy weekend saw NSW Police issue more than 985 traffic infringement & other notices along the key coastal transport routes between the NSW-Vic border and the NSW-Qld border, 12-13 October 2024

 

SCORECARD 2-DAY MATCH

NSW POLICE

985+ traffic infringement & other offences     

ASSORTED MOTORISTS

0

NSW Police News, 14 October 2024:

More than 500 speeding tickets issued during Operation Border to Border

Monday, 14 October 2024 07:00:42 PM

More than 500 speeding infringements have been issued during a major border-focused school holiday traffic operation aimed at reducing road trauma.

Operation Border to Border ran from Saturday 12 October 2024 to Sunday 13 October 2024, targeting the key transport routes of the Princes Highway and Pacific Highway and Motorway between the Queensland border and Victorian border.

The two-day high-visibility operation involved more than 60 officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command from Northern, Central Metropolitan and Southern regions, targeting speeding, dangerous driving, impaired driving, distracted driving and driver fatigue.

The operation was bolstered in the border regions by highway patrol officers from Queensland Police and Victoria Police.

The operation utilised mobile and stationary random breath testing and random drug testing.

In total, 2214 random breath tests and more than 330 random drug tests were conducted.

NSW Police detected seven positive breath tests and 36 positive drug tests.

More than 520 drivers were detected speeding, with eight drivers charged with exceed speed limit by more than 45 km/h.

There were a further 30 disqualified, suspended or unlicensed drivers detected and 375 other traffic infringement notices including 26 drivers issued with mobile phone offences.

An additional 12 traffic-related charges and three criminal charges were laid, with two heavy-vehicle infringements and one defect notice issued.

Incidents of note:

> Shortly before 7am on Saturday 12 October 2024, Illawarra Highway Patrol were conducting speed enforcement duties on the M1 at Berkeley when they stopped a Ford Territory driven by a 32-year-old woman. Police allege she was speeding and had two children not correctly restrained in the car. A check of her driver’s licence also allegedly indicated it was disqualified. She was issued with a field court attendance notice for drive whilst disqualified to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 4 December 2024. The woman was given two penalty notices for exceed speed limit and drive with two passengers seatbelt/restraint not property adjusted/fastened.

> About 11am on Saturday 12 October 2024, Sutherland Highway Patrol allegedly detected a learner driver on the Princes Motorway, Cataract exceeding the speed limit. The 16-year-old boy was issued with traffic infringement notices for learner driver exceed speed limit – over 45km/h and learner not display L plates as prescribed. The supervisor was issued a traffic infringement notice for failing to prevent breach of legislation.

> About 10.30am on Sunday 13 October 2024, Lake Illawarra Highway patrol were conducting speed enforcement duties on the Princes Highway, Yallah when a 27-year-old driver was stopped for allegedly speeding. He was issued a penalty notice for driver exceed speed limit – over 45km/h and his licence was suspended for six months.

> About 2.30pm on Sunday 13 October 2024, Richmond Highway Patrol alleged detected a provisional two driver speeding on the Pacific Highway, Mororo. A 19-year-old man was issued with a traffic infringement notice for driver exceed speed limit – over 45km/h and his licence was suspended for six months.

NSW Police officially launch "You Should Be a Cop In Your Hometown" recruitment campaign designed to attract applicants to 12 regional areas, specifically targeting applicants to become an officer in their home town

 

NSW Police News, 18 September 2024:

NSW Police have today officially launched two initiatives at Port Macquarie aimed at identifying and recruiting future police officers.

You Should Be a Cop In Your Hometown is a recruitment campaign designed to attract applicants to 12 regional areas, specifically targeting applicants to become an officer in their home town.

The target regions include: Albury; Bathurst; Coffs Clarence; Dubbo/Wellington; Griffith; Hunter Valley; Mid North Coast; Moree; Nowra; Richmond; Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, with placements dependent on operational needs.

Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, People and Capability Command, said the goal is to able to provide greater certainty for recruits, giving them confidence they can join the NSW Police Force and work in their hometowns.

“We know that becoming a police officer and moving away from home can be a big ask, especially if you have family and enjoy where you live. This new initiative will give those who apply to be a police officer a higher level of confidence on where they’ll work,” Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.

“As well as being paid to train and starting your career with NSW Police, when you join, you can identify where you would like to work and if an applicant is from a regional area not listed, we will still look at positions available in the area.”

The recruitment campaign is in Port Macquarie today (Wednesday 18 September 2024), before visiting Lismore on Friday 20 September 2024, Coffs Harbour on Saturday 21 September 2024 and then Muswellbrook on Sunday 22 September 2024.

The You Should Be a Cop Youth Program was also launched today at Port Macquarie PCYC, and is a work experience program, designed to create interest in becoming a police officer, as well as educate young people and reduce barriers which may commonly delay their entry into the force.

Following pilot programs at Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, Oxley Police District and south west Sydney, the initiative will be expanded next year state wide, and include students on the Mid North Coast.

Each ‘class’ will include approximately 20 students, with participants from Years 10 to 12 identified by their school careers counsellor.

As part of the initiative, students will gain a better understanding of policing by participating in a four day program, which will see them experience a variety of specialist commands, as well as potentially visit the Police Academy at Goulburn.

Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood, Capability Performance & Youth Command said the pilot program is designed to not just find the next generation of police, we want to inspire students and show them there’s much more to being a police officer.

“This is an opportunity to showcase a career in policing for young people, who may have not previously considered joining the police force,” Assistant Commissioner Wood said.

“We are hoping to attract young people from big and small regional towns, metropolitan areas and culturally diverse backgrounds, because it will help us better serve the community.”

For more details on You Should Be a Cop In Your Hometown visit: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment.

[my yellow highlighting]

It was all kicking off in Tweed Heads this week - just not in a good way

 

It doesn't happen very often in the NSW Northern Rivers region. To have a local area make the latest batch of police news releases - much less three times over the course of two days.

NSW Police News:

Three arrested as part of drug supply investigation - Tweed Heads

Wednesday, 31 July 2024 04:28:34 PM

Three people are assisting police with inquiries after being arrested following an investigation into drug supply in the state’s north.

About 1.10pm (Wednesday 31 July 2024), police from the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad, assisted by the Tactical Operations Unit, stopped a vehicle at a service station in Chinderah.

The three occupants of the vehicle – a 37-year-old woman, and two men aged 28 and 51 – were arrested at the scene.

They have been taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where they are assisting police with their inquiries.

Further information will be released once available.

Police officer charged - Northern Region

Wednesday, 31 July 2024 02:20:09 PM

A NSW Police officer has been charged for allegedly accessing restricted data.

In January 2024, officers attached to the Professional Standards Command commenced an investigation into alleged misconduct and unlawful access to data held on the Police computer system.

Following inquiries, a 50-year-old man was served a court attendance notice and charged with eight counts access/modify restricted data held in computer and holder of public office misconduct him or herself.

He will appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 16 September 2024.

The officer’s employment status is suspended without pay.

Man charged following alleged assault - Tweed Heads

Tuesday, 30 July 2024 07:16:03 PM

A man will face Court after being charged following an investigation into an assault at Tweed Heads earlier this month.

About 3.30pm on Thursday 11 July 2024, emergency services were called to a shopping centre on Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, following reports of an altercation.

Officers attached to the Tweed/Byron Police District attended the scene and were told several people were involved in an altercation, in which a man – aged 25 – was injured.

The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for facial injuries, before he was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment. He has since been released from hospital.

A tomahawk was recovered at the scene and was seized by police for forensic examination.

About 3.00pm today (Tuesday 30 July 2024), following an investigation by officers from Tweed/Byron Police District, police arrested a 23-year-old man at Tweed Head Police Station.

The man was charged with reckless wounding in company. He was refused bail to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday 31 July 2024.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

As investigations continue, anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage of the incident, including dashcam footage, is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Disobey any of the NSW road rules between today and 28 April 2024 and you'll have a greater chance that police will pull you over & hand you double demerit points for breaking the law

The first instinct on reading the following newspaper article might be to note the double demerit points and skip over the warning it contains.

As an incentive to consider being extra careful over the remainder of this week I draw your attention, not just to the 111 people killed on NSW roads up to 22 April in 2024, but also to the fact that it wasn't just those 58 drivers who were killed.

There were 18 passengers, 15 pedestrians, one lone person on a bicycle and 19 motorcyclists.

One of those dead was a very small child under 5 year of age, 10 were aged between 6 and 20 years of age, 64 were aged between 21 & 59 years and 36 were older people aged 65 years & over.

The majority of these deaths (73) occurring on rural and regional roads, with the latest fatal crashes on 20 April 2024 at Marulan in the Southern Highlands and on the Mitchell Highway near Dubbo.

So be careful out there - it is more than your own life you are risking if you behave foolishly.

The Western Weekender, 23 April 2024

Police are planning a huge presence on the roads for the ANZAC Day public holiday and the upcoming weekend.

Operation ANZAC Day 2024 will launch at 12.01am on Wednesday, April 24 2024, with double demerit points in place until 11.59pm on Sunday, April 28 2024, coinciding with the end of the school holidays.

The reminder comes after 111 people lost their lives so far this year, compared to 100 in the same period last year.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will be highly visible across the state this ANZAC Day weekend.

“Every driver has a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users. Drive responsibly and drive to the conditions to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destination,” she said.

“ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on and commemorate our veterans. I want to thank the NSW Police Force for working around the clock to help keep the community safe this long weekend.”

The high-visibility policing operation will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said the appeal to road users is to do the right thing before they head out, rather than have regrets when it’s too late.

Police will be targeting high-risk behaviours such as excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving offences, illegal use of mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.

“The goal is preventing injury and death. Tragically this year, 111 people have died on NSW roads – a concerning increase of 11 deaths compared to this time last year,” he said.

“Speeding is a major contributor to fatal road crashes, and police will take action against road users who think they can speed and put themselves and others at risk.

“A decision to speed could result in a fatality in a split-second. Think about your choices and how they impact you and others around you. Share the road and make sure you arrive to your destination safely.

“We remain committed to ensuring public safety over the ANZAC Day weekend, and we’re asking all motorists to do their part as well – especially as we expect more cars on our roads with school holidays coming to an end.”

Transport for NSW Director of Road Safety Policy, Louise Higgins- Whitton said it was important that all road users obey the rules so everyone makes it home safe.

“Double demerits will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences, we want everyone to follow the rules and do the right thing,” Higgins-Whitton said.

“Whether it’s a short trip to the local shops or you’re heading home as school holidays end, please make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself and others safe.

“Simple things everyone can do include wearing a seatbelt, putting the mobile phone away, sticking to the speed limit, ensuring you’re well rested before you set out on your journey and never driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.”

Last stage of stolen vehicle pursuit by NSW Police had officer paddling a commandeered surfboard along the Tweed River at Tyalgah to arrest the driver on Saturday night, 6 April 2024

 

NSW Police News, 7 April 2024:

Woman to face Court after pursuit - Tweed/Byron

Sunday, 07 April 2024 04:47:43 PM

A woman will appear in Court after being charged with numerous offences following a police pursuit in the Tweed area last night.

On Wednesday 03 April 2024, a break, enter and steal offence occurred at Chinderah, where a Volkswagen Amarok was allegedly stolen. A short time later, police received a report the same vehicle was used to allegedly steal fuel from a petrol station at Mullumbimby.

On Thursday 4 April 2024, police attempted to stop the driver of the stolen Amarok at Brunswick Heads. When the driver failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit, which was later terminated due to safety concerns.

On Saturday 6 April 2024, two further police pursuits were initiated in the Tweed Heads sector.

In the second pursuit, around 10pm, police pursued the Amarok from Tweed Heads to Murwillumbah, where on Tumbulgum Road, the driver of the Amarok collided with a Hyundai Imax being driven in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Hyundai Imax, a 45-year-old woman, was trapped by confinement and treated at the scene by Ambulance Paramedics, before being taken to the Gold Coast University hospital for treatment for a fractured elbow and abrasions.

The driver of the Amarok allegedly fled the scene, entering the Tweed River at Tyalgah. Police established a perimeter, and a Sergeant commandeered a surfboard and paddled some 500 metres along the river and arrested a 24-year-old woman.

The woman was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with two outstanding warrant and seven offences;

• Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – people there at Chinderah on 3 April 2024

• Steal motor vehicle at Chinderah on 3 April 2024

• Dishonestly obtain property by deception at Mullumbimby on 4 April 2024

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously at Brunswick Heads on 4 April 2024

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously at Chinderah on 6 April 2024

• Hinder or resist police officer in execution of duty at Murwillumbah on 6 April 2024

• Drive whilst cancelled at Murwillumbah on 4 April 2024

She was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Sunday 7 April 2024), where bail was formally refused, to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 8 April 2024.