Incident in Mudgee: Man Charged After Vehicle Ramming Police Station

"I'll be back when I drive through the place." — Alleged statement made by the accused to police prior to the crash.

The Incident

On Friday at approximately 1:30 PM, 67-year-old Donny Hobbs allegedly drove a ute at police officers patrolling near Mudgee Police Station on Market Street. Shortly after, he allegedly drove the vehicle at another officer exiting the station and crashed into the Heritage-listed building.

Charges

Hobbs was arrested at the station on Friday and charged with five offences, including dangerous driving and damaging property with intent to endanger life.

He appeared in court on Saturday and was refused bail, with Acting Judge Howard Bell ruling he posed an unacceptable risk.

Court Statements

Police prosecutor Simon Steward told the court Hobbs had animosity towards police. He said Hobbs was spoken to outside the station before the crash and allegedly told police:

"I'll be back when I drive through the place."

Steward described it as planned offending.

Commander of Orana Mid-Western Police District, Superintendent Tim Chinn, said several officers and a civilian narrowly avoided being hit. The crash occurred during a retirement ceremony for Detective Senior Constable Scott Whale, which proceeded later in the afternoon.

Aftermath

Mudgee Police Station remains temporarily closed. Structural assessments are underway, and a customer service bus is operating outside. Repairs have commenced.