police Archives - Aspley News

Motorcyclist Miraculously Uninjured After Frightening Gympie Road Encounter

A motorcyclist has spoken out after a frightening encounter on Gympie Road in Aspley left him shaken but miraculously uninjured.

Ruchir Awate was waiting at traffic lights on Gympie Road when a red Mazda allegedly rear-ended his motorcycle without warning on Tuesday evening.

What appeared to initially be a traffic accident quickly escalated into something far more sinister. Footage captured on Mr Awate’s action camera shows the vehicle reversing before allegedly driving directly towards him as he sat on the side of the road after being knocked from his bike.

“I think at one point my legs were under his car and my heart was just beating,” Mr Awate said. “I was thinking, am I – is this it?”

The incident didn’t end there. The driver allegedly attempted to steal Mr Awate’s bag, which had fallen during the collision. The motorcyclist managed to retrieve his belongings by reaching through the car window.

Separate mobile phone footage shows Mr Awate, still wearing his helmet, jumping onto the footpath and moving towards bushes to escape the vehicle.

“I thought, it’s stolen or something, he doesn’t care about the car, he’s gonna go straight into me over the curb into the bush,” Mr Awate explained.

Queensland Police are investigating the incident and have identified a person of interest. Authorities have indicated that the registered owner of the vehicle does not match the description provided by Mr Awate.

Police expect to lay charges soon.

Mr Awate, who captured the entire ordeal on his action camera, expressed hope that the person responsible would be held accountable.

“I really do hope the police can track him down. I hope he understands what he’s done wrong and I hope he gets the charges that are coming,” he said.

The incident occurred in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with Aspley residents likely to be concerned about road safety following the alleged attack.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Queensland Police.

Published 12-November-2025

Bridgeman Downs Home Invasion Leads to 12-Hour Police Standoff in Tree

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A botched home invasion in Bridgeman Downs on Sunday afternoon led to an unusual 12-hour standoff, with a man perched in a tree while police worked through the night to bring him down safely.

Queensland Police were called to a Stirling Street property around 3.30pm on 19 October following reports that two men had broken into the home. The 40-year-old male resident, who was home at the time, confronted the intruders and was allegedly threatened with a knife before the pair fled the scene in a white Toyota Corolla.

Police, assisted by the POLAIR helicopter, tracked one of the alleged offenders to a property in nearby Strathpine around 6.30pm. When officers arrived, the 30-year-old Strathpine man reportedly climbed a tree in the backyard in an attempt to avoid arrest.

What followed was an all-night operation involving police negotiators and the dog squad, who worked to coax the man down from his elevated hiding spot. He remained in the tree for approximately 12 hours before being taken into custody just before 7am on Monday morning.

The Strathpine man has been charged with robbery armed in company with personal violence, serious assault of a police officer, possessing dangerous drugs, and possession of drug utensils. He is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 21 October.

Police are continuing their search for the second man involved in the alleged home invasion and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Residents with information about the incident can contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2501888534.

Published 20-October-2025

Allegedly Stolen Vehicle Drives Towards Children at Aspley Little Athletics

Photo Credit: Aspley Little Athletics Centre & Aspley Athletics

An 18-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving a stolen vehicle towards children during a training session at Aspley Little Athletics on Wednesday evening.

Around 50 junior athletes, aged between under-8s and under-17s, were training at the facility when a grey Jeep Compass entered the field and began driving erratically, according to witnesses and police.

Andrea Taft, centre manager of Aspley Little Athletics, said the incident unfolded quickly and left many in shock.

She initially believed the vehicle belonged to a member, but it soon became clear something was wrong when the car began swerving towards children on the field.

Coaches and volunteers immediately worked to evacuate the oval, directing children to safety along the embankments whilst the vehicle performed dangerous manoeuvres on the training area.

One parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the frightening scene as the car tore up over the back embankment and drove across the field before performing a doughnut. When one parent attempted to block the vehicle’s path, the car allegedly pushed them aside at low speed.

Ms Taft praised the quick response of coaches and volunteers who managed to keep all children safe during the incident. Whilst no one suffered physical injuries, she acknowledged the emotional impact on families and young athletes.

The incident began earlier that evening when police were called to Harcourt Street in Fortitude Valley at approximately 5.15pm following reports of an assault and vehicle theft. The stolen Jeep was then allegedly driven dangerously through several northside suburbs before arriving at the Aspley athletics facility.

With assistance from the Dog Squad and police helicopter POLAIR, officers tracked the vehicle to Sheena Street in Zillmere, where it struck a parked car and stopped around 7.15pm. The driver, an 18-year-old Stafford man, allegedly fled on foot towards Deborah Street where he was arrested and taken to hospital under police guard.

Police expect to charge the man with robbery with violence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and driving without a licence.

The training field sustained damage including tyre marks across various sections. Brisbane City Council has responded quickly to arrange repairs and is conducting a security audit of all access points to the facility.

Ms Taft said the club had been in the process of securing council funding for CCTV cameras prior to the incident, though none were installed at the time.

The centre manager said discussions are underway about whether to proceed with Saturday’s planned competition or postpone it, recognising that some members may still feel shaken.

Aspley Little Athletics posted on social media on Thursday, describing it as a distressing incident and offering support to anyone who required assistance.

Fortitude Valley Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Bull thanked members of the public who reported sightings of the stolen vehicle throughout the incident. Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

The club is working closely with Brisbane City Council to improve security measures and help restore confidence amongst members and families following the incident.

Published 26-September-2025

Three Men Charged After Firearms and Bayonet Theft in Carseldine

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Three men have been charged following the theft of firearms and a military-style bayonet from a Carseldine residence in Brisbane’s north.

The break-in occurred on Tuesday, February 11, at an unoccupied Carseldine property undergoing renovations. According to police, the suspects—who had no connection to the victim—targeted a gun safe on the premises, going to considerable lengths to force it open before stealing the weapons.

Police apprehended the suspects the following day on the Logan Motorway near Carole Park in Ipswich. During the arrest, officers discovered the stolen bayonet in the suspects’ vehicle. Later that evening, investigators located and seized the stolen firearms from a shipping container at a Richlands property.

The three men facing charges include:

A 47-year-old Basin Pocket man charged with entering a dwelling and committing an offence, possessing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a weapon (military dagger/bayonet), and possession of property suspected to have been acquired for drug-related purposes. He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 13.
A 34-year-old Gailes man charged with entering a dwelling and committing an offence, and unlawful possession of category B firearms. He remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 19.
A 47-year-old Ipswich man charged with entering a dwelling and committing an offence, and contravening a domestic violence order. He is expected to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.

North Brisbane District Inspector Matthew Blunn commended the licensed firearm owner for promptly reporting the theft and praised officers for their quick recovery of the stolen weapons.North Brisbane CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Moore emphasised the importance of firearm security, noting that police regularly conduct firearm security audits for licensed owners. He urged firearm owners to remain vigilant about security measures and to report suspicious activity immediately.

Published 17-February-2025

Aspley Included in North Brisbane Registration Plate Thefts Surge

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A recent wave of registration plate thefts has hit North Brisbane suburbs, with Aspley emerging as one of the primary targets in a string of incidents reported across the region. The crime spree has also affected neighbouring suburbs including Taigum, Bracken Ridge, Bald Hills, Chermside, Grange, and Geebung.

Queensland Police report these thefts are opportunistic crimes, with perpetrators stealing plates to evade detection while committing other offences. In response, the Gateway District Crime Prevention Unit has launched a preventive initiative, offering free anti-theft screw packs to North Brisbane residents.

The anti-theft screws are specially designed ‘one-way’ fasteners that can only be removed using police-issued tools, making them an effective deterrent against plate theft.

Local authorities are advising residents to take immediate precautionary measures by utilising off-street parking, securing vehicles behind gates, and parking in locked garages when possible.

North Brisbane residents can order the anti-theft screw packs at no cost through the Queensland Police Service website. Those with information about the thefts can contact Policelink at 131 444 or submit details through the online suspicious activity form. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Multiple incidents are currently under investigation, with police referencing case numbers including QP2500173506 and QP2500181601 among others.

Published 31-January-2025

Carseldine Police Crack Down on Major Drug Ring in Operation Victor Ludacris

The Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) in Carseldine has dismantled a significant drug operation in northern Brisbane, seizing illicit substances worth over $2.5 million and arresting five individuals.

Key drug trafficking organisations for methylamphetamine, GHB, and firearms were the focus of Operation Victor Ludacris, a seven-month investigation by Carseldine CIB with assistance from the Synthetic Drug Operations Unit and the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The operation involved 14 search warrants across the North Brisbane region, uncovering a large-scale drug laboratory and resulting in the seizure of a vast array of illegal drugs, including 450 kilogrammes of GHB, 168 litres of 1-4 butanediol, 84 litres of hypophosphorous acid, 2.75 kilogrammes of MDMA, and 300 grammes of methylamphetamine.

The police also confiscated $100,000 in cash, commercial-grade drug manufacturing equipment, and precursor chemicals with the potential to yield over 70 kilogrammes of methylamphetamine.

Additionally, three firearms, three remote improvised explosive devices, and 30 kilogrammes of assorted ammunition were recovered during the raids.

Since December 2023, five individuals have been apprehended and face a total of 74 charges. These charges include trafficking in dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons, unlawful dealing with explosives, conspiracy to commit crime, and receiving property obtained from trafficking. All five individuals are currently in custody, awaiting court appearances.

Detective Inspector Ken Rogers emphasised the operation’s success in disrupting drug distribution networks and removing dangerous substances from the community.

He stated that illicit drugs have a devastating impact on lives and their removal contributes to reducing drug-related violence and overdoses. Rogers assured the public that the police remain committed to targeting criminal syndicates and ensuring the safety of the community.

Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests anticipated. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Published Date 20-May-2024

New North Brisbane Police Campaign Places Officers in Geebung Bikeways

As part of a newly-launched crime prevention campaign called “Tune Into Your Surroundings,” the Queensland Police Service has stationed police personnel in bikeways in Geebung, Chermside, and Boondall to interact with the community and teach them how to stay safe in public spaces.

‘Tune Into Your Surroundings’ aims to help reduce robberies and assault offenses against people who go outside to exercise, or those who walk to and from school or work.

The campaign is primarily informative, warning people to put their phones down when they walk and take in their surroundings. Removing headphones is also highly recommended as loud music can prevent people from realising that danger is approaching.

Police officers in North Brisbane will be stationed in Geebung, Chermside, and Boondall to inform passersby of the initiative, as well as do their part to keep the community safe from criminals.

All in all, Tune Into Your Surroundings states that there are three primary things people who are out and about must watch out for in order to stay safe as crime rates increase: their surroundings, their valuables, and their phone.

Their Surroundings

Those who walk must survey their surroundings and pay attention to those around them.
If a person has a bad feeling about the area they’re in, or if they feel unsafe or threatened, it is advised for them to leave and take another route.
In order to avoid getting lost, people must plan their routes.
People should inform a trusted person of their expected arrival times and travel routes when walking.
Sticking to well-lit and populated areas is a must.

Their Valuables

Bags must always be closed.
Those who bring bags with them must keep them securely attached to their body and avoid simply holding them.
Records of bags and valuables inside it must be kept as proof of ownership.
Other valuables should be kept out of sight and stored in pockets.
Valuables should not be left unattended, and carrying large amounts of money is ill-advised.

Their Phone

People must check their surroundings to see if it’s safe to use their phones.
Phones should be kept out of sight or secured in a bag when in public.
Install anti-theft apps such as “Find my Phone” in the event that it gets stolen.
Keep a record of the phone’s serial number or photo of proof of ownership in case it goes missing or gets stolen.
Secure phones with PINs, patterns, and biometric locks.
Don’t store sensitive or personal information such as passwords or bank information on phones.