November 12, 2013
A driver angry that his Toyota LandCruiser was about to be impounded under the State Government’s new “anti-hoon” laws allegedly took his frustration out on a lone Blackbutt police officer in a frightening attack on the D’Aguilar Highway on Sunday.
The police officer, who was conducting a routine patrol, pulled over the 4WD about 4:00pm on the Blackbutt Range for a traffic offence.
Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, from Kingaroy Police, said a check revealed the man was driving while disqualified, which required his vehicle to be impounded.
The driver reacted to the news by confronting the policeman and allegedly spitting on him.
Snr Sgt Frank said a struggle then ensued during which the driver allegedly attempted to re-enter his vehicle and drive away.
As the fight spilled onto the highway, the policeman was forced to use capsicum spray in a bid to subdue the man.
Snr Sgt Frank said a passing motorist stopped to assist the police officer and the man was placed into the rear seat of the police car.
“However the violence continued,” Snr Sgt Frank said.
The man then allegedly kicked out the rear door window of the police vehicle.
By this time more police had arrived on the scene and the man was finally restrained.
“A 15-year-old female relative witnessed the whole episode,” Snr Sgt Frank said.
A 44-year-old Benarkin man has been charged with obstructing police, serious assault on a police officer, assaulting police, unlicensed driving, wilful damage, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing a drug utensil.
