Cops bag takeaway man
Car theft suspect joined drive- through line behind break- time officers
AN alleged car thief hoping to get a happy meal from a Townsville fast food restaurant had his plans fried after getting stuck in the drive- through behind a police car.
Sean Anthony Brett Brown, 32, appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday charged with two counts of obstructing police, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, careless driving, unlicensed driving, possession of a knife in a public place and wilful damage after the incident on Sunday.
He has also been charged with four counts of breach of bail relating to other matters.
Just before 3.30am, two Stuart police officers on a break were waiting in the McDonald’s Idalia drive- through when a blue Hyundai hatch- back allegedly driven b by Brown, with a female passenger, pulled in behind them.
While awaiting their order, t the officers conducted a check o on the licence plate and determined the car was stolen.
After noticing another car pull into the drive- through behind the Hyundai, the officers got out of their vehicle.
As the officers approached the vehicle, Brown allegedly accelerated away but the car became lodged between a hedge and a wooden fence ( pictured). Police will also allege that a machete and a tomahawk were found during a search of the vehicle.
Townsville Property Crime Unit’s detective Senior Constable Tania Ramsay described the act of driving up behind a police car in a stolen vehicle as brazen. “Officers conducted a check and realised it was a stolen rental car vehicle that hadn’t been returned and was outstanding,” she said.
“The damage was caused when the car tried to veer off and get out of the line up and it’s gone into a garden bed and fence where it has become bogged. “No officers were injured “The 11 charges don’t relate solely to the incident ( on Sunday), there are some charges for breach of bail believed to be offences in Cairns.”
Brown was remanded in custody and will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court again on March 3. The female passenger was not charged in relation to the incident.