Tag: Queensland Police

Man Charged After Violent Carjacking in West End

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

A delivery driver was allegedly assaulted and his vehicle stolen in West End after a man forcibly entered his vehicle and drove off with him inside, resulting in a collision. Police have charged a 25-year-old man from Cherbourg following the incident.

Read: Mother-of-Two Last Seen in West End, Found Dead in Brisbane River

West End
Photo Credit: Queensland Police

Police reports indicate the incident occurred on Echlin Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. The delivery driver, a 24-year-old, was conducting his duties when a man allegedly entered his vehicle. The man then drove away with the driver still inside the vehicle. The vehicle subsequently collided with a power pole.

Following the collision, the man is alleged to have assaulted the driver, who sustained facial injuries and was subsequently transported to Townsville University Hospital for treatment.

West End
Photo Credit: Queensland Police

A public member intervened during the altercation, prompting the alleged offender to flee the scene in his vehicle. Police officers located and apprehended the man a short time later.

The 25-year-old Cherbourg man has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle involving violence, unlawful entry of a vehicle to commit an indictable offence, and unlicensed driving. He is scheduled to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court.

Read: Kurilpa Commons Protest: Community Resists Closure of Beloved Garden

The man will face court to answer the charges laid against him. The police will present evidence relating to the alleged carjacking, assault, and traffic offences. The victim is recovering from his injuries.

Published Date 23-March-2025

Mother-of-Two Last Seen in West End, Found Dead in Brisbane River

Photo Credit: QPS

Police have launched a homicide investigation after the body of 49-year-old Crystal Beale was found in the Brisbane River. The Sunshine Coast woman was last seen in West End, having dinner with her family and ex-partner. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

Read: Flying Colours Is Painting West End with Good Times and Great Taste

A Night Out Ends in Tragedy

Crystal Beale, a mother-of-two, had been visiting family in Brisbane on 21 February. That evening, she dined at a restaurant in Sunnybank before being dropped off at Ryan Street in West End. Hours later, at approximately 5:40 a.m. the next morning, a member of the public discovered her body in the river at Yeronga.

Initially, police did not consider her death suspicious. There were no visible injuries. However, following a postmortem examination, authorities now believe her death to be suspicious. The police are treating Ms Beale’s death as a homicide.

West End homicide
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Queensland Police have released CCTV footage showing Ms Beale on the night she was last seen. She was wearing a slim-fitting white dress and carrying a brown leather satchel. Investigators believe she was near Orleigh Park and Ryan Street in West End between 9:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts confirmed multiple lines of inquiry were being pursued. The possibility of a random attack and the involvement of someone known to Ms Beale are also being considered. Police have spoken with her ex-partner, but no arrests have been made.

Family and Friends Remember Crystal Beale

Ms Beale’s children, a daughter and a 15-year-old son, are devastated by the loss of their mother. Her daughter, Charlie, described her as a talented artist and a writer. She was a deeply caring person who “constantly put herself out for others.”

Friends also shared their grief. They remembered Ms Beale as a kind-hearted woman with an infectious smile. One friend said that she was a beautiful lady, inside and out. Another recalled her generosity and warmth.

Crystal Beale
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns

The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from West End and surrounding areas. Police are also analysing tidal patterns to determine how long Ms Beale’s body had been in the river.

Community concerns over violence against women have been reignited following Ms Beale’s death. She is the 14th Australian woman killed in 2025 and the 117th since 1 January 2024. Her death prompts renewed calls for action on gendered violence.

Read: West End’s Future: Skyscrapers Rising Above the Floodplain

Authorities are urging anyone in the West End area during the specified timeframe or who may have seen Ms Beale to provide information. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 13-Mar-2025