Violent Robbery Shakes Wheatvale

Police have apprehended a 35-year-old man following a violent robbery on Leyburn Cunningham Road in Wheatvale on April 7, 2026. The suspect, along with two other male offenders, allegedly entered a property at approximately 5 am, threatening a woman with a firearm and subsequently discharging the weapon. The trio is accused of stealing two vehicles, a 2010 Holden Commodore sedan and a 2006 Mitsubishi Triton utility, both of which were later found abandoned.

The 22-year-old female resident was fortunately unharmed during the ordeal. Despite initial escape, the stolen Commodore was later discovered burnt out in Twin Rivers, northern New South Wales. The Mitsubishi utility was also found abandoned near Leslie Dam with some damage. Following extensive investigations, the 35-year-old suspect from Drayton was arrested at a Toowoomba motel on April 13.

The arrested man faces multiple charges, including three counts of unlawful supply of weapons and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, among other serious offenses. He was remanded in custody and appeared in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on April 14. The police continue their search for the remaining suspects and have issued a call for public assistance to gather more information.

This incident is part of the broader “Operation Yankee Forge,” a six-month initiative by Queensland Police targeting high-harm crimes such as unlawful vehicle use and robbery. The statewide operation aims to enhance policing activities, increase community safety, and ensure high-harm offenders are held accountable.