In a dramatic incident on Market Street, a vehicle collided with a building just as preparations were underway for a march in honor of Detective Senior Constable Scott Whale, who is retiring after a distinguished 40-year career with the NSW Police Force.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that officers quickly responded by apprehending the driver, identified as 67-year-old Donny Hobbs, pinning him to the ground and taking him into custody.
“The ute crashed right into the front wall of the police station,” described witness Kirtis Goldsmith. “Officers came running from everywhere, responding immediately to the scene.”
The impact of the crash was reportedly so loud that it resonated at a nearby pub, startling the patrons.
Hobbs is well-known in the Mudgee community, recognized for his charming horse and cart rides that contribute to local tourism.
Detective Senior Constable Whale, originally hailing from Western Sydney, relocated to Mudgee three years ago to serve on the rural crime prevention team, marking the final chapter of his notable policing career.
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 attempted to pull him over before he allegedly drove at officers.
The officers were evacuated from the building but no one was injured.
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.
It’s likely he’ll be charged this evening to front court tomorrow.
