Four teenagers have been charged with stealing Australian rugby union star James O’Connor’s car after a police chase which ended at an inner Brisbane shopping centre.
The three boys and a girl, aged 14-15, are facing multiple charges after Wallabies and Queensland Reds player O’Connor’s white Land Rover was allegedly stolen from an Auchenflower home on Monday.
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The teens then allegedly used the car to speed through Brisbane’s south on Tuesday when police spotted it in Inala.
It was tracked by police helicopter on the Logan Motorway to Larapinta about 2.30pm.
“The vehicle was tracked as it continued to allegedly be driven dangerously throughout local streets and suburbs, travelling through red lights,” police said in a statement.
They allegedly drove into the car park at Toowong Village in Brisbane’s inner-west, from where they are accused of ditching the vehicle and making a run for the train station.
“A short foot pursuit commenced and the four were taken into custody without incident,” police said.
They have been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, burglary and commit and indictable offence and receiving tainted property.
They are expected to face the Brisbane Children’s Court on a later date.
O’Connor, a veteran of 52 tests, is the second Brisbane-based sports star to have his car stolen allegedly by youths.
AFL forward Charlie Cameron allegedly had his Mercedes taken by a local gang in March.