Detectives from Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch are investigating after an 85-year-old man was assaulted and his vehicle stolen at Inkerman, south of Ayr, yesterday afternoon (February 23).
Initial investigations indicate at approximately 2.20pm on the Bruce Highway, a man and a woman parked a Mitsubishi Triton, stolen from Marian on February 21, across traffic.
The pair then approached an 85-year-old male driver in a Mazda BT-50, striking him in the arm with a metal bar and forcing him from the vehicle before stealing it.
The man suffered lacerations to his arm and was transported to Ayr Hospital in a stable condition.
At approximately 2.55pm, police attempted to intercept the stolen Mazda on the Bruce Highway travelling south towards Bowen, however, it failed to stop and continued driving dangerously and at speed.
The vehicle was later located abandoned in cane fields at Proserpine.
Both the stolen vehicles have been seized for forensic examination.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Detectives urge anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage, which may assist investigations to come forward.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
