TASMANIA POLICE AIR WING

FLIGHT LOG

INCIDENT NUMBER: 2018-07-30-COL-001
DATE: 30 July 2018
PILOT: Senior Constable Mark Anthony Dunham
OBSERVER: Constable Benjamin Elijah Matthews
AIRCRAFT: VH-WRT (Eurocopter EC135 T2+)
OPERATIONAL HOURS: 12:45 - 15:45
WEATHER CONDITIONS: Deteriorating rapidly - severe thunderstorm approaching from west, heavy rain, reducing visibility
INCIDENT TYPE: High-speed pursuit / Dangerous driving / Vehicle pursuit

MISSION SUMMARY

Routine patrol diverted to investigate reports of vehicles driving at excessive speed near Collinsvale. Located two vehicles engaged in dangerous high-speed driving on approach to Brooker Highway. Observed roadside altercation between drivers before vehicles resumed high-speed travel back through Collinsvale and Glenlusk area. Coordinated with ground units CITY632 in successful pursuit engagement. Pursuit terminated at Myrtle Forest Recreation Area under unusual circumstances - one vehicle disappeared from secured location, one vehicle abandoned, driver fled on foot.

DETAILED LOG

12:45 - Departed Hobart base for routine patrol - Greater Hobart area surveillance. Weather monitoring: storm system approaching from west, expected to impact operations within 1-2 hours.

12:52 - Observer Matthews: Nothing remarkable. Light traffic on major routes. Some darkening to the west.

14:08 - Dispatch advised of initial reports of two vehicles possibly racing/speeding near Berriedale area, heading toward Brooker Highway. Diverted to investigate.

14:12 - Observer Matthews: Located two vehicles travelling at high speed on Berriedale Road approaching Brooker Highway junction. Estimated speed 100-110 km/h in 80 km/h zone. Vehicles identified as:

• Vehicle 1: Dark grey or possibly dark green Toyota Hilux Ute (dual cab configuration)
• Vehicle 2: Blue sedan (appears to be hatchback, make/model difficult to confirm from altitude)

14:14 - Both vehicles maintaining excessive speed. Coordinated movement suggests possible communication between drivers. Advised dispatch of location and trajectory.

14:16 - Observer Matthews: Vehicles slowing. Approaching Brooker Highway junction, and turned left onto it. Lead vehicle (Ute) indicating and pulling to verge. Blue sedan following suit. Both vehicles stopping roadside on Brooker Highway approximately 500m after highway junction.

14:17 - SIGNIFICANT OBSERVATION - Observer Matthews: Driver exiting Ute (male, tall, thin build, appears agitated). Passenger from Blue sedan (male, medium build) approaching Ute driver on foot. Body language suggests confrontation. Unable to determine exact nature of interaction due to altitude and developing weather.

14:18 - Maintaining position overhead. Altercation appears to be escalating. Preparing to advise dispatch of possible assault in progress.

14:19 - UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENT - Observer Matthews: Passenger from Blue sedan has suddenly entered Ute driver's seat. Original Ute driver attempting to prevent this - struggling with door. Original driver appears to be forced into passenger side or climbing in through passenger door. Situation unclear but highly unusual.

14:19 - Ute now moving - departing at high speed with both males inside. Blue sedan driver (female, confirmed via binoculars - approximately 30-40 years, dark hair) following in pursuit. Vehicle movements suggest carjacking or vehicle theft possibly in progress. Advised dispatch of escalating situation.

14:20 - Both vehicles now travelling at excessive speed BACK in direction of Berriedale. Speed estimated 110-120 km/h. Dangerous given road conditions and developing weather.

14:21 - Heavy rain beginning. Visibility starting to degrade. Vehicles weaving through light traffic, overtaking dangerously. Public safety concern significant.

14:22 - Advised dispatch of vehicle descriptions, direction of travel, and dangerous driving. Requested ground units if available.

14:23 - Observer Matthews: Vehicles now passing back through Glenlusk area, continuing northwest on Glenlusk Road. Speed undiminished despite weather. Rain intensity increasing rapidly.

14:25 - Observer Matthews: Ground unit CITY632 (Detectives Jenkins/Lahey) now visible, positioned at intersection of private driveway (later identified as Owens' property) and Collinsvale Road. Advised dispatch that ground unit in position.

14:28 - Both suspect vehicles passed ground unit CITY632 at high speed. CITY632 immediately engaged pursuit - emergency lights activated, siren presumed active. Excellent response time.

14:29 - Vehicles proceeding southeast on Collinsvale Road. Estimated speed now 110-130 km/h in 80 km/h zone. Road conditions dangerous - heavy rain, standing water visible on road surface. CITY632 maintaining pursuit approximately 150-200m behind suspects. Professional pursuit driving evident.

14:30 - Observer Matthews: Both vehicles executed sharp right turn onto Collins Cap Road. Blue sedan appeared to lose partial control during turn - mounted verge, recovered. Ute maintained better control, possibly more experienced driver. Spray from vehicles creating additional visibility challenges for ground unit. CITY632 handled turn expertly.

14:31 - Visibility now critical. Rain intensity severe - approaching operational limits for safe flight. Maintaining visual contact difficult. Both suspect vehicles and CITY632 visible only intermittently through cloud/rain. Reduced altitude to 300m to maintain contact. Concerned about ground proximity given conditions but pursuit ongoing and ground unit requires aerial support.

14:33 - Observer Matthews: Vehicles continuing on Collins Cap Road. Terrain becoming more challenging - hillier, more curves. CITY632 maintaining pursuit despite conditions. Gap between ground unit and suspects fluctuating between 100-200m. All three vehicles handling conditions at edge of safety margins.

14:35 - Observer Matthews: Both suspect vehicles executed coordinated turn onto Springdale Road. This manoeuvre appeared deliberate, not evasive. Suggests destination rather than random flight pattern. Possibly heading toward Myrtle Forest area based on trajectory.

14:37 - TACTICAL DEVELOPMENT - Observer Matthews: Vehicles have doubled back - returning toward Collinsvale Road junction. Unusual tactical choice. Confirms deliberate destination. Suspects now heading directly toward Myrtle Forest Recreation Area. Advised dispatch and CITY632 of trajectory change.

14:39 - Both vehicles turned into Myrtle Forest Recreation Area access road. CITY632 followed approximately 10-15 seconds behind. Public recreation area - expressed concern to dispatch regarding civilian safety. However, weather conditions likely mean no civilians present.

14:41 - CRITICAL ANOMALY: Visual contact briefly obscured by heavy rain squall - visibility dropped to near zero for approximately 5-7 seconds. When visibility partially cleared, both vehicles no longer discoverable.

14:42 - Observer Matthews: Conducted immediate area sweep. No other exit roads from carpark - only single gravel access road in/out. Ute could not have exited without passing CITY632 on access road or being visible from air. No vehicle tracks visible leaving area through bush. Terrain and weather conditions would make off-road departure impossible - too steep, too wet. Vehicle has disappeared.

14:43 - Observer Matthews: Blue sedan observed parked hastily near toilet block structure at rear of carpark. Driver (female, confirmed same driver from roadside incident) exited vehicle in apparent haste. Observed her reach back into passenger area - retrieved bottle-shaped object (possibly wine bottle based on shape/size). Driver then fled on foot up slope behind toilet block into forest. Movements suggested panic.

14:44 - CITY632 arrived at scene - response time excellent. Both officers exited vehicle, weapons drawn. Detective (identified later as Lahey) moved toward abandoned sedan. Second detective (identified later as Jenkins) moved toward toilet block structure, appeared to be clearing area.

14:45 - Requested backup units to secure scene and assist in locating missing Ute and fleeing driver. Continued aerial surveillance.

14:46 - Observer Matthews: Detective Jenkins examining toilet block structure carefully - appeared confused or suspicious about building.

14:48 - Conducted expanding search pattern around Myrtle Forest area. No sign of Toyota Hilux on any surrounding roads, trails, or visible clearings. Vehicle has vanished. No logical explanation given terrain, single access point, and timing. Weather conditions not sufficient to have completely obscured departure. VEHICLE DISAPPEARANCE UNEXPLAINED.

14:49 - Detectives Jenkins and Lahey entered Myrtle Forest, presumably in pursuit of fleeing suspect.

14:50 - Observer Matthews: Attempted to locate heat signature of recently driven vehicle in surrounding bush using thermal. Negative result. No heat signature consistent with vehicle that was operating at high speed moments before.

14:58 - Backup units arrived (CITY401, CITY417). Perimeter established around Myrtle Forest area.

15:01 - Observer Matthews: K-9 unit requested by ground units for tracking fleeing driver through forest. Driver entered forest at approximately 14:43 - significant head start but weather conditions may have slowed progress.

15:00 - Weather conditions continuing to deteriorate. Visibility now less than 200m even at reduced altitude. Making multiple passes over area but forest canopy and heavy rain making ground surveillance increasingly difficult. Flight safety becoming primary concern.

15:05 - Observer Matthews: Vehicle registration result for Blue sedan received via dispatch: Registered to Gladys May Cramer, [address redacted], Claremont. No prior record. Detective Crosswell issuing APB for Cramer. Description matches fleeing driver.

15:25 - K-9 unit arrived and deployed into forest from point where driver entered bushland. Tracking in progress. Handler reported difficult conditions - rain washing out scent trail.

15:30 - Fuel considerations and weather conditions requiring return to base. Have reached safe operational limits for conditions. Ground units maintaining scene security and K-9 search. Toyota Hilux Ute remains unaccounted for. No vehicle registration obtained for Ute - unable to get clear view of plates during pursuit due to speed, spray, and weather conditions.

15:40 - Observer Matthews: Final sweep of area before departure. Still no sign of Ute. Thermal imaging still negative. Detectives on scene appear to be conducting thorough search of toilet block and surrounding structures. Scene documented photographically from air before departure.

15:45 - Returned to base. Mission logged as successful pursuit engagement with ground units but inconclusive termination due to missing vehicle. Unusual circumstances require extensive ground investigation.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTIONS

Vehicle 1: Toyota Hilux Ute (Dual Cab)

• Registration: UNABLE TO CONFIRM - Not visible during pursuit due to conditions
• Colour: Dark grey or possibly dark green (difficult to determine definitively in conditions)
• Status: MISSING - Disappeared from scene under unexplained circumstances
• Last seen: Myrtle Forest Recreation Area, approximately 12:41 hours
• Occupants: Two males (one tall/thin, one medium build - exact identification not possible from air)
• Distinguishing features: Standard dual-cab configuration, appeared to be older model
• CRITICAL NOTE: Vehicle disappeared during brief loss of visual contact. No plausible exit route. Extensive aerial search negative. Thermal imaging negative. DISAPPEARANCE UNEXPLAINED.

Vehicle 2: Blue 2016 Toyota Corolla (Hatchback style)

• Registration: CONFIRMED via ground units - Registered to Gladys May Cramer, Claremont
• Colour: Blue
• Status: RECOVERED - Abandoned at scene, forensic examination pending
• Driver: Female, approximately 30-40 years, dark hair, dark clothing. Fled on foot into forest carrying bottle-shaped object
• Last seen: Fleeing up slope behind toilet block structure, 12:43 hours
• APB issued for Gladys May Cramer

OBSERVATIONS AND CONCERNS

1. Roadside Altercation: Observed what appeared to be confrontation between Ute driver and sedan passenger, followed by sedan passenger apparently taking control of Ute with original driver forced into passenger position. Nature of relationship between parties unclear - possible carjacking, possible pre-existing conflict. Ground investigation required.
2. Missing Vehicle - PRIMARY CONCERN: The disappearance of Vehicle 1 (Toyota Hilux Ute) defies logical explanation. Visual contact lost for maximum 7 seconds during heavy rain. Single access road with ground unit blocking exit. No off-road capability given terrain and weather conditions. No heat signature detected after disappearance. Thorough ground search of toilet block structures and surrounding area recommended to determine if vehicle concealed, though concealment seems physically impossible given vehicle size and brief timeframe.
3. Coordinated Driving: Both vehicles demonstrated coordinated movement throughout pursuit, suggesting communication between drivers despite apparent roadside conflict. Movement pattern appeared purposeful rather than evasive - destination-oriented rather than escape-oriented. Myrtle Forest may have been predetermined meeting point or planned destination.
4. Weather Impact: Severe weather complicated surveillance and may have provided opportunity for Vehicle 1 to escape detection, though no plausible route identified during extensive aerial search. Weather insufficient to explain complete disappearance of vehicle.
5. Civilian Risk: High-speed driving through populated areas in dangerous weather conditions created significant public safety risk. Fortunate that weather likely kept civilians away from recreation area.
6. Ground Unit Performance: Detective team CITY632 demonstrated exceptional pursuit driving skills in extraordinarily challenging conditions. Professional conduct throughout. Response time excellent despite apparent prior engagement at separate location.
7. Fleeing Driver: Cramer fled on foot with bottle (possibly containing alcohol). Unusual item to prioritise during flight. May indicate impaired judgment or significant attachment to item. K-9 tracking initiated.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. PRIORITY: Immediate and thorough ground search of Myrtle Forest area, particularly toilet block structures, for concealed or hidden Toyota Hilux Ute
2. Forensic examination of abandoned Blue sedan (Cramer vehicle) for evidence
3. Interview of Gladys May Cramer once apprehended - clarify relationship to Ute occupants and explain flight
4. Attempt to identify Ute occupants through witness statements or other evidence at scene
5. Investigation into how Vehicle 1 disappeared from location with single access point during active pursuit
6. Review of toilet block structure for any concealment capabilities or unusual features
7. Follow-up on roadside altercation - determine if carjacking, assault, or other crime occurred
8. Obtain warrant for Cramer residence search if necessary

PILOT NOTES

Challenging operational conditions. Visibility at edge of safe flight parameters during critical phase of pursuit. Decision to maintain visual contact despite weather based on assessment that ground unit required aerial support and public safety was at risk from dangerous driving.

The disappearance of the Ute remains unexplained. Observer Matthews and I both confirm brief loss of visual contact (maximum 7 seconds) during heavy rain squall, but immediate search pattern initiated within 20 seconds. Vehicle could not have travelled far enough in that timeframe to exit visible area, nor could it have concealed itself given terrain and vehicle size. No explanation consistent with physical evidence or timing. Recommend thorough investigation of scene by ground units.

Professional conduct of CITY632 noted for commendation - expert driving in dangerous conditions while maintaining safety protocols.

OBSERVER NOTES (Constable Matthews)

Concur with pilot assessment. The missing vehicle represents a significant investigative anomaly. I maintained visual contact with the carpark area throughout the approach and immediately after the brief weather obscuration. No vehicle movement detected that would explain departure. The toilet block structure appeared to be focus of Detective Jenkins' attention on ground - recommend that structure receive particular scrutiny during investigation.

The roadside incident prior to main pursuit suggests complex relationship between parties that warrants investigation beyond simple dangerous driving charges.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 168 litres

FLIGHT HOURS: 2.0 hours
MECHANICAL ISSUES: None
CREW NOTES: Challenging conditions. Professional conduct of ground units noted. Unusual circumstances regarding missing vehicle warrant extensive further investigation. Recommend follow-up report after ground investigation complete.

LOGGED BY: Senior Constable Mark Anthony Dunham, Tasmania Police Air Wing
OBSERVER SIGNATURE: Constable Benjamin Matthews, Tasmania Police Air Wing
SUPERVISOR REVIEW: [Pending]
CASE STATUS: Active Investigation - Priority follow-up required

END OF FLIGHT LOG