On The Beat

Arson Investigation Underway In North Mackay

Police are investigating two suspicious fires that occurred overnight in North Mackay on March 2.

Emergency services were first called to a car fire at approximately 10:50 PM on Palmer Street. The vehicle, which was parked in a carport, was completely destroyed, and the carport sustained damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Shortly after, at around 11:30 PM, emergency services responded to a second fire at a nearby unit complex, also on Palmer Street. The unit was unoccupied at the time but suffered significant fire damage.

Initial investigations suggest the two fires are linked. A 40-year-old man was located in the vicinity and is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or relevant footage from the Palmer Street area overnight to come forward.

Those with information can contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Reference number: QP2500377576

Update: Robbery and Vehicle Offences – Emerald

Detectives from the Emerald Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged two men in connection with multiple property offences committed in December last year.

It is alleged that at approximately 1:15 AM on December 3, a stolen Toyota Landcruiser was deliberately driven into the front of a business within a shopping centre on Capricornia Highway and Codenwarra Road, Emerald. The impact caused extensive damage to both the shopping centre and the business inside, and a large quantity of items was stolen before the suspect fled on foot.

Following an extensive investigation, a 38-year-old Lockyer Waters man was arrested on February 26 by Acacia Ridge police on behalf of Emerald CIB detectives. He was wanted in connection with an arrest warrant related to the incident.

Further inquiries linked the same man to an earlier burglary on July 27, 2024, at a premises on Small Street in Emerald, where a large safe was stolen.

The 38-year-old has been charged with:

• Entering premises with intent to commit an indictable offence
• Entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break
• Unlawful use of a motor vehicle

He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Emerald Magistrates Court on March 11.

Investigators also identified a second suspect, a 36-year-old Duaringa man, who has been charged with:

• Entering premises with intent to commit an indictable offence
• Entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break
• Unlawful use of a motor vehicle
• Possessing/acquiring restricted items
• Failure to take reasonable care and precautions regarding a syringe or needle

The 36-year-old is expected to appear before the Emerald Magistrates Court on March 28.

Reference number: QP2402067064

Drink Driver Caught In Mackay

A 42-year-old Calliope man has been issued with a notice to appear in court following an alleged drink-driving incident at approximately 3:30 AM on March 2 in Mackay.

Police officers conducting routine patrols observed a Ford Ranger dual cab drive through a red light on Shakespeare Street. The vehicle was intercepted on Nebo Road, where officers spoke with the driver and conducted a roadside breath test. The driver returned a positive result and was taken to the Mackay Police Station for further analysis.

Subsequent testing allegedly confirmed the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.17%, more than three times the legal limit.

The man has been issued a notice to appear before the Mackay Magistrates Court on March 19. He faces charges of driving while under the influence of liquor and disobeying a red traffic light.

Sergeant Steve Smith from the Mackay Crime Prevention Unit emphasised the dangers of drink driving, stating, “Police are conducting roadside breath tests at all hours of the day.

“All drivers should be familiar with the warning: Plan to drink? Plan not to drive.

“Being caught by police for drink driving is not the worst possible outcome in these circumstances.”

Reference number: QP2500372903

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