Attempted murder charges after stolen truck rammed officers

A man has been charged with attempted murder after ramming police officers with a stolen truck, prompting swift responses from law enforcement and the police union.

Bartholomew Peter Dornbusch, 45, from Oakey, allegedly stole a Hino truck on Wednesday morning and led police on a violent chase across the Darling Downs. When officers attempted to intercept the vehicle north of Toowoomba, the alleged driver accelerated deliberately, trapping two detective senior constables between the truck and a police car in what police described as an act showing complete disregard for officer and public safety.

The collision was brutal. Both officers were thrown forcefully across the bonnet and onto the road, sustaining serious injuries.

The impact on the affected officers has been profound, drawing urgent support from the police union. Detective Senior Constable Steven Ingerson, 54, was airlifted by helicopter to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition. He was placed in an induced coma following the ramming but has since regained consciousness—a significant milestone hailed by colleagues and family. His recovery is expected to be lengthy and challenging.

Detective Senior Constable Mark Pemberthy, 56, was transported by road to St Vincent's Hospital in Toowoomba. He has been released from hospital, though his full recovery remains ahead.

The violence didn't stop at the first collision. After fleeing the initial scene, the truck allegedly sped to Kleinton, where it struck two marked police vehicles. Two officers at that location sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

The ramming has resonated deeply across Queensland's policing community. Police Union President Ian Leavers described the incident as one that has "rocked the policing community and the community of the Southern Downs," acknowledging the gravity of the attack on frontline officers. He flagged that Detective Senior Constable Ingerson faced "a longer road to recovery" ahead.

The union has mobilised rapidly to provide ongoing support to the injured officers and their families through the recovery process.

Police leadership has also voiced concern about the assault. Officials stated they were "troubled" by the violence and the perpetrator's apparent "complete disregard" for community and officer safety—a sentiment reflecting how deeply the attack has struck law enforcement.

Dornbusch was arrested following the ramming and faced Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he was remanded in custody. He faces two counts of attempted murder, along with charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering, evading police, and possession of dangerous drugs. He is scheduled to appear in court again on July 13.

Two other men—aged 19 and 28—were arrested in connection with a second allegedly stolen vehicle recovered during the operation. Both have been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and drug-related offences. They were remanded to appear on June 22.