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Vision released of allegedly stolen truck sparking fires in chaotic three-hour pursuit from Brisbane to Tiaro

The vehicle was seen weaving across lanes at high speed with open doors.
Katharina LoescheBy Katharina Loesche

Stolen food truck chase

Stolen food truck chase

Dramatic vision has been released of an allegedly stolen food delivery truck driving on its rims, sparking fires along a major highway.

Dylan Jake Fitzgerald, 39, is accused of stealing the truck in Brisbane and leading Queensland Police on the hours-long high-speed chase up near Tiaro faced court in Hervey Bay on Thursday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Allegedly stolen food truck speeds along major highway.

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The vehicle was seen weaving across lanes at high speed with open doors along the Bruce Highway, as it travelled north from Brisbane in Queensland on Wednesday.

Helicopter footage shows sparks flying as the truck sped up along the highway for hundreds of kilometres, with its tyres shredded and metal rims scraping the road after police used tyre spikes to try and stop it.

Flames can be seen igniting dry grass beside the highway, with multiple spot fires reported.

POLAIR tracks the truck as it scrapes along the highway, setting off spot fires.
POLAIR tracks the truck as it scrapes along the highway, setting off spot fires. Credit: Qld Police
The stolen truck was seen swerving dangerously and trailing sparks before grass fires were spotted along the highway verge.
The stolen truck was seen swerving dangerously and trailing sparks before grass fires were spotted along the highway verge. Credit: 7NEWS

The truck was allegedly stolen from Elizabeth St in Brisbane around 9am on Wednesday, while the driver was delivering food to nearby businesses.

A massive police operation was launched, involving ground units and Polair, as the vehicle made its way north through the Sunshine Coast region.

The pursuit ended near Tiaro, south of Maryborough, where police arrested Fitzgerald just before 2pm.

“Do you know where you are? You’re halfway to Maryborough,” an officer can be heard saying during the arrest, captured on bodycam.

The hours-long pursuit ends with the suspect in handcuffs on the side of the highway.
The hours-long pursuit ends with the suspect in handcuffs on the side of the highway. Credit: Qld Police
The pursuit ended when the truck came to a stop near Tiaro, where police moved in and arrested the driver.
The pursuit ended when the truck came to a stop near Tiaro, where police moved in and arrested the driver. Credit: 7NEWS
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Witnesses said the truck had been travelling erratically, with the back doors swinging open and the driver unresponsive to attempts at contact.

“The guy I was working with got on the UHF to tell him the doors were open,” witness Nicole Kristen said.

“He was blowing the horn to get his attention … then I sort of thought after a few minutes that he’s probably stolen it because he didn’t respond to the radio.”

Fitzgerald is now facing seven charges, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while suspended, and driving under the influence.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

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