A 31-year-old man faces multiple charges after stealing a fire truck in New South Wales and leading police on a cross-border chase into Victoria. The truck was taken from the Bolton Rural Fire Service sheds near Jerilderie, NSW, on Wednesday evening, 5 November 2025. Authorities quickly responded to reports of the stolen vehicle at about 8.20 pm, launching a pursuit that spanned over 230 kilometres.
Bolton Rural Fire Service brigade’s garage
Police Chase Initiated After Theft
NSW Police were first alerted about the stolen fire truck at Bolton, where the vehicle was parked. Units commenced following the truck as it drove south on the Newell Highway. The stolen fire truck, despite police signalling for it to stop, did not yield. The driver maintained a speed within the legal limit but refused to stop, prompting a sustained pursuit by NSW officers along the highway towards the NSW-Victoria border.
Similar category one tanker in The RFS in Bolton
Crossing into Victoria and Continuation of Pursuit
The fire truck crossed the border into Victoria at Tocumwal, where the responsibility for the chase shifted to Victoria Police. Officers deployed additional patrol cars and coordinated efforts to monitor the vehicle’s movements, aiming to safely intercept the driver. The truck travelled along the Murray Valley Highway before turning onto the Goulburn Valley Highway heading towards Shepparton.
Police attempted to immobilise the vehicle through the deployment of stop sticks, which successfully deflated the tyres. Despite losing tyre integrity, the driver pressed on, advancing into the vicinity of the Puckapunyal Army Base.
Route of the stolen fire truck
Confrontation Near Army Base
The chase culminated near the Puckapunyal Army Base. After halting the fire truck, the driver exited the vehicle and proceeded to steal an unattended car belonging to a base security guard who was performing a routine patrol.
The man drove the stolen security vehicle further into the army base perimeter. Police responded by again deploying stop sticks, successfully disabling the car. Following this, officers arrested the man without further incident.
Damage at the Rural Fire Service brigade’s shed
Charges and Court Proceedings
Police charged the suspect with multiple offences including carjacking, motor vehicle theft, driving dangerously, failing to stop for police, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, criminal damage, and bringing stolen goods into Victoria.
The 31-year-old man, identified as a resident of Hamilton, appeared before Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 6 November 2025. The court heard that the man was not seeking bail. Magistrate Peter Dunn noted the unusual circumstances of the case with a comment, “I dare say someone at Jerilderie would be somewhat mystified their fire truck was stolen.”
The accused was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear again at Seymour Magistrates’ Court on 4 December 2025.
Impact on Fire Services at Bolton
Superintendent Tony Whitehorn, Mid Murray district manager of the Rural Fire Service (RFS), expressed concern about the operational impact on the Bolton brigade. He confirmed the stolen fire truck was critical for local firefighting efforts, especially during the bushfire season when fuel conditions remain dry and fire risk is elevated.
Whitehorn emphasised, “We have dry fuel present, and no fire truck available in Bolton.” He further explained that until a replacement vehicle is acquired, neighbouring brigades from Jerilderie will provide support to Bolton’s fire protection area.
The superintendent highlighted that thefts such as this were unprecedented. “To be honest, I’ve had every sheet of tin stolen from a fire station, but this is the first instance of an entire fire truck being taken; it’s truly disheartening,” he said.
Community Safety and Police Response
Police cautioned the public about the dangers posed by driving heavy emergency vehicles without proper authority. Both NSW and Victoria police worked closely to coordinate the cross-border pursuit, demonstrating interjurisdictional cooperation.
Authorities reminded residents that such thefts undermine emergency services’ capacity to respond promptly to fires and other incidents, increasing risk to property and lives.
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Investigation and Background of Suspect
Further investigation revealed the man was undergoing withdrawal from methamphetamine use and carried a diagnosis of schizophrenia, according to defence counsel Nadia David. These factors were presented in court but did not mitigate the seriousness of the offences.
The police continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the theft and any possible accomplices or related offences.
Statistics and Context
Vehicle theft remains a significant issue across Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 60,000 motor vehicle thefts were recorded nationwide in 2024, with rural areas vulnerable due to limited surveillance and resources.
The theft of specialised emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, is rare but presents heightened danger due to the vehicle’s size and potential use on public roads by untrained drivers.
Cross-border police pursuits also challenge law enforcement agencies, requiring careful balancing of public safety and apprehension of suspects. Victoria Police report that cross-border chases have increased by approximately 12% over the past two years, necessitating greater inter-agency communication.
Conclusion
The stolen fire truck police pursuit incident highlights the complexities of law enforcement collaboration across state borders. It also underscores the vulnerability of vital emergency services resources to criminal acts.
The Mid Murray region faces fire season challenges without the Bolton brigade’s truck, amplifying the importance of community vigilance and police action in preventing future incidents.
Authorities remain committed to ensuring the suspect faces full legal consequences and to restoring the operational capacity of rural fire brigades affected by this event.
