A 67-year-old man has died in custody after allegedly driving his utility vehicle into a police station in the New South Wales central west region. Donald 'Donny' Hobbs was arrested on Friday afternoon following the incident at Mudgee Police Station, where he is accused of ramming his white Toyota Land Cruiser ute into the front of the building.
Incident Details
The alleged attack occurred in the town of Mudgee, approximately 260 kilometres northwest of Sydney. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle collide with the station's entrance before police apprehended the driver. Hobbs was taken into custody and later died while in police care. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, and an investigation is underway.
Police Response
Authorities have confirmed that officers were present at the station at the time of the incident, but no injuries were reported among police personnel. The building sustained structural damage, and forensic teams have been examining the scene. New South Wales Police Force has stated that a critical incident investigation will be conducted, as is standard procedure for deaths in custody.
- The incident took place on Friday afternoon at Mudgee Police Station.
- Hobbs was driving a white Land Cruiser ute.
- No officers were injured in the crash.
Background
Donny Hobbs, 67, was a local resident of the Mudgee area. His motivations for the alleged ramming remain unclear, and police have not suggested any ideological or extremist links. The case has been referred to the Professional Standards Command for independent review.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
