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In an unexpected turn of events, a vehicle careened into a building on Market Street just as preparations were underway for a ceremony honoring Detective Senior Constable Scott Whale. Whale, a respected figure, is retiring after dedicating 40 years to the NSW Police Force.
Witness accounts indicate that officers swiftly intervened, apprehending the 67-year-old driver, Donny Hobbs, who was promptly taken into custody. Hobbs, well-known in the community for his horse and cart rides through town, holds a significant place in Mudgee’s tourism scene.
“The ute crashed right into the police station’s front wall, and officers emerged from everywhere, converging rapidly on the scene,” recounted Kirtis Goldsmith, a witness to the chaotic aftermath.
The impact of the crash was reportedly so intense that the noise echoed throughout the area, reaching the ears of patrons in a nearby pub.
Hobbs 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 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.