‘I’ll Be Back’: 67-Year-Old’s Vow to Police Before He Allegedly Drove at Officers and Crashed into Heritage-Listed Station
- Donny Hobbs, 67, charged with five offences including dangerous driving and damaging property with intent to endanger life
- Allegedly drove at multiple police officers and crashed into Mudgee Police Station in western New South Wales
- Police claim Hobbs had animosity towards police and had told them ‘I’ll be back when I drive through the place’ before the incident
- Refused bail, with Acting Judge Howard Bell ruling he posed an ‘unacceptable risk’
It was supposed to be a day of celebration at Mudgee Police Station, with nearly 50 officers gathering to farewell a detective with almost four decades of service.
But the ceremony was marred by a shocking incident that has left the community reeling.
Donny Hobbs, 67, allegedly drove at multiple police officers and crashed his ute into the Heritage-listed station, sparking a major investigation and raising concerns about the safety of police and the public.
According to police, Hobbs was arrested on Friday after he drove at local officers who were patrolling near the station on Market Street. A short time later, he allegedly drove at another officer who was exiting the station, before crashing into the front of the building.
Commander of Orana Mid-Western Police District Superintendent Tim Chinn said several police officers and a civilian “narrowly missed” being hit when the ute crashed through the front of the station.
Police prosecutor Simon Steward told the court that Hobbs had animosity towards police and had made a chilling threat before the incident. “He told police, ‘I’ll be back when I drive through the place’,” Mr Steward said.
“It wasn’t some sort of impulsive act… it was a planned offending, showing that he has a clear capacity and willingness to commit serious offences.”
Hobbs faced court on Saturday, where he was refused bail. Acting Judge Howard Bell ruled that he posed an “unacceptable risk” and would remain in custody until the case returns to court on June 10.
The incident has sparked a major investigation, with police working to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of police and the public. Superintendent Chinn said any attack on police is a “significant concern” and support has been provided to those affected.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of police stations as a safe haven for the community. As one of the most trusted institutions in Australia, police stations are often seen as a beacon of safety and security.
But the Mudgee incident has shown that even these institutions are not immune to attack.
Security analysts say the incident highlights the need for increased security measures at police stations, including the use of bollards and other safety features to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This incident is a wake-up call for police stations across the country,” said one security expert. “It highlights the need for increased security measures to protect police and the public.”
Law enforcement insiders warn that the incident is a symptom of a broader problem of disrespect towards police. “There is a growing trend of disrespect towards police, and this incident is just one example of that,” said one insider.
“It’s a worrying trend that needs to be addressed.”
The incident has also sparked concerns about the impact on the local community. Mudgee Police Station remains temporarily closed, with a customer service bus operating out the front and services supplemented by a nearby station.
Structural assessments are underway to assess what repairs will be needed.
