The crash happened just as a march was about to take place for Detective Senior Constable Scott Whale, who is retiring after 40 years in the NSW Police Force.
A suspected sovereign citizen has been charged after allegedly driving a ute into the Mudgee police station, in New South Wales' central west, during a send-off for a retiring officer yesterday.
Donny Hobbs, 67, was arrested after the incident and taken to Dubbo Police Station, where he was slapped with multiple charges.
The charges include destroying/damaging property with intent to endanger life, which could see Hobbs serve up to 25 years behind bars if convicted.
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Hobbs allegedly drove at police officers as they were patrolling on foot along Market Street, Mudgee, at around 1.30pm.
Officers attempted to stop Hobbs but he allegedly failed to follow police directions and left the scene.
Not long after, Hobbs allegedly drove the ute at another officer who was on their way out of Mudgee Police Station.
The vehicle then ploughed into the building on Market Street just as a march was about to take place for Detective Senior Constable Scott Whale, who is retiring after 40 years in the NSW Police Force.
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Nine understands officers immediately ran out, pinned the driver to the ground and took him into custody.
"[The ute] smashed the whole front wall of the police station, cops coming running out everywhere, pulling up everywhere," witness Kurtis Goldsmith said.
The crash said to be so loud it was heard by locals at the nearby pub.
A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced. No injuries were reported.
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Hobbs was later charged with:
- Destroy/damage property with intent to endanger life
- Use etc offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence (two counts)
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Custody of knife in public place - subsequent offence
Hobbs was refused bail and is set to appears before court later today.
The 67-year-old is "a big part of the tourism in Mudgee" and is famous for riding his horse and cart through town.
Originally from Western Sydney, Whale moved to Mudgee three years ago, working for the rural crime prevention team.
Today was his last day on the force, and around 1.30pm he was set to be marched out before Hobbs arrived in his Land Cruiser.
Police will allege Hobbs had numerous prior dealings with Whale and that this was an attack targeted at the detective senior constable.
Police allege the dealings they've had with him over time are consistent with the behaviour of a sovereign citizen.
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