Police charge man over vehicle arson at Molendinar, QLD

Police have charged a man for allegedly setting fire to a stolen utility after colliding with a tow-truck at Molendinar on January 29.

It will be alleged that around 12.00pm, a man poured an accelerant over the exterior and interior of a stolen Nissan Navara parked at Kelsie Circuit, Nerang, and placed a Molotov cocktail in the back driver’s seat pocket.

Police were notified and attended the scene, contracting a tow-truck to retrieve the stolen Navara and transport it to the impound lot.

Around 2.25pm, a man allegedly followed the tow-truck carrying the stolen Navara eastbound along Southport Nerang Road in a stolen black Toyota Hilux.

As the tow-truck braked on approach to the intersection of Industrial Avenue, the Hilux collided with the rear.

The impact caused accelerants inside the Hilux, believed to be intended for the Navara, to ignite and fire erupt in ute’s interior.

It will be alleged that the male driver exited the burning Hilux, grabbed something from the passenger side and fled westbound on foot.

Police attended the scene and a lit blowtorch was located on the road.

Subsequent investigations lead police to arrest a 39-year-old Southport man at Elanora yesterday, suffering badly burnt hands.

He has now been charged with two counts of stealing and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, arson and receiving tainted property.

He is scheduled to appear at the Southport Magistrate’s Court on today.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

/Public Release. View in full here.