Teen Charged in Major Hooning Operation

Queensland police have charged a 17-year-old Sunshine Coast boy with 62 offences as part of Operation Yankee Tread, an investigation targeting dangerous driving and hooning across the Moreton, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast districts.

Police allege the Imbil teenager was involved in or observed at multiple hooning incidents between April 17 and September 2. Authorities further allege he was a passenger in a Ford Falcon performing burnouts in Morayfield on September 10 before the vehicle crashed into a fence. The vehicle was later abandoned, and the teenager allegedly left the scene in a Hyundai i30.

The teenager was arrested at an address in Marcoola on October 1. He was charged with 24 counts each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and driving on a learner licence without proper supervision, 12 counts of spectating at a hooning event, and individual charges related to riding an unlicensed motorcycle and driving without due care and attention.

Police also arrested a 19-year-old Pacific Paradise man and a 26-year-old Deception Bay man in separate investigations linked to dangerous driving. Since Operation Yankee Tread began in August, police say 142 people have been charged with 618 offences.

Moreton District Tactical Crime Squad officer in charge Senior Sergeant Tom Jakes said the operation combined specialist investigators, highway patrol, tactical crime and intelligence officers. Residents can report dangerous driving to 13HOON on 134 666 or Policelink on 131 444. Emergencies should be reported to Triple Zero.