VICTORIA, Australia — A Victorian man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a fire truck from southern New South Wales and leading police on a dramatic cross-border pursuit that ended near an army base.
Police say Jacob Walker, 31, from Hamilton, crashed a car into the Bolton Rural Fire Service (RFS) garage near Jerilderie just before 9 p.m. Wednesday before stealing a fire truck.
With sirens and lights activated, Walker allegedly drove the truck along the Newell Highway through Jerilderie and Tocumwal, pursued by NSW Police. Officers ended the chase when the vehicle crossed into Victoria, where local police continued the pursuit.
According to Victoria Police, the truck was driven at the speed limit but failed to stop. Officers successfully deployed stop sticks along the Goulburn Highway, forcing the vehicle to slow before it entered the Puckapunyal Army Base.
After the tyres deflated, police said Walker allegedly abandoned the truck and stole a security guard’s vehicle inside the base, driving further in before being stopped a second time.
Walker was arrested at Puckapunyal, about 230 kilometres from Bolton, and later charged with carjacking and two counts of motor vehicle theft.
He appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and did not apply for bail. The matter has been adjourned until December.
RFS Mid Murray District Manager Superintendent Tony Whitehorn said the theft had left the Bolton fire brigade without an appliance during a crucial fire danger period.
“We’ve got dry fuel on the ground, and no fire truck in Bolton,” Whitehorn said.
“In all my career, I’ve seen a lot, but this is the first time I’ve had a whole fire truck stolen. It’s really disappointing.”
Whitehorn added that the brigade will rely on crews from Jerilderie until a replacement truck can be allocated.
“We should be spending our money on preventative measures and ensuring we’ve got the best equipment,” he said.
