A 38-year-old Bowen man is facing serious charges following a dramatic police pursuit through Cairns that involved aerial surveillance from the Queensland Police helicopter.
The High-Speed Chase Through Cairns Suburbs
Queensland Police initiated the operation on Tuesday afternoon after receiving reports of a stolen vehicle. The police helicopter Polair was deployed to track the movements of a silver Mazda that had been reported stolen from the Cairns area.
The aerial unit successfully located the vehicle traveling through multiple northern suburbs, providing ground units with real-time intelligence on its location and direction of travel. The coordinated effort between air and ground units allowed police to maintain visual contact with the stolen car as it moved through suburban streets.
The Dramatic Arrest in Manunda
The pursuit came to a head when police successfully deployed a tyre deflation device on the stolen Mazda in the suburb of Manunda. The strategic intervention brought the vehicle to a stop, allowing officers to safely apprehend the driver without further incident.
The 38-year-old Bowen man was taken into custody at approximately 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He now faces multiple charges relating to the incident, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and evading police.
Police Statement and Community Response
Queensland Police have highlighted the effectiveness of their multi-unit response in bringing the situation to a safe conclusion. The use of Polair proved crucial in monitoring the vehicle's movements while minimizing risk to the public during the operation.
Local residents expressed relief that the pursuit ended without injuries or significant property damage. The incident serves as a reminder of the comprehensive resources available to Queensland Police in tackling vehicle crime across the region.
The accused man is scheduled to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court at a later date, where he will answer to the charges brought against him following Tuesday's dramatic events.
