A woman accused of a series of property crimes across the Gladstone region has been remanded in custody after an alleged dramatic attempt to evade police on the Dawson Highway. Detectives from the Gladstone Property Crime Unit say the arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into multiple offences committed in recent weeks, particularly around a retail precinct in Clinton.
Police allege the 30-year-old woman from Maryborough was already wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant relating to numerous property offences when she was spotted by an officer conducting routine patrols on the evening of 1 July. Around 7:18pm, the officer identified the woman along the Dawson Highway and attempted to take her into custody.
According to investigators, the woman allegedly tried to escape by running from police and attempting to enter passing vehicles travelling on the highway. Officers quickly intervened before she was taken into custody. Police have not reported any injuries to motorists or members of the public during the incident.
Following her arrest, detectives charged the woman with 20 offences. The charges include three counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, as well as single counts of attempted robbery, attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, wilful damage, and serious assault of a police officer. Police allege many of the offences were committed at businesses within a shopping centre in Clinton.
As investigations continued, officers also located a 40-year-old Maryborough man at a makeshift campsite hidden in bushland. Police allege they discovered stolen property at the campsite and subsequently arrested the man. He has been charged with 14 offences, including providing a false name to police, entering premises to commit offences, stealing, and possessing drug utensils.
Both accused appeared before the Gladstone Magistrates Court on 2 July, where they were remanded in custody. They are scheduled to reappear before the court on 3 August 2026 while investigations continue. Police have indicated further charges are possible as inquiries progress.
Queensland Police say the investigation remains active and are continuing to examine the series of alleged property offences. Detectives are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the Clinton retail precinct or who has information relevant to the investigation to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers. Authorities say community information could assist in finalising the investigation and identifying any additional offences connected to the pair.
