A 29-year-old man has been charged with domestic violence-related murder after the death of a young mother who was stabbed in a “horrific scene” on a public footpath in Caboolture, and a police chase to the Sunshine Coast.
The woman, named in media reports as mother-of-four Heather Ball, was found with stab wounds on Wednesday night after emergency services were called to a unit complex on Short Street at Caboolture, north of Brisbane.
Police allege the 27-year-old woman and the man were involved in an altercation about 8.30pm before she was stabbed.
“Police were called to a unit in Caboolture to a scuffle, a woman screaming,” Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said on Thursday.
“Sadly, when the police turned up a woman had been stabbed. She was taken immediately to the hospital and sadly has passed away.”
Queensland Police said the suspect fled the scene on foot to a vehicle before a pursuit began.
Authorities tracked a Holden Commodore travelling to the Sunshine Coast before it crashed into a police vehicle on the Bruce Highway.
Detective acting Inspector Anthony Green said police attempted to intercept the vehicle near Caboolture before it continued onto the highway.
“The man failed to stop, resulting in the deployment of-tyre deflation devices around Yandina before crashing into the rear of a police vehicle a short time later,” he said.
The Holden Commodore was allegedly travelling at high speeds and went through a red light.
Two male officers, a senior constable and a sergeant, sustained minor injuries in the crash.
They have since been discharged from Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
A 29-year-old Morayfield man was arrested and taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for assessment.
Police later charged him with one count of domestic violence-related murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of dangerous driving, one count of evading police and one count of contravening a domestic violence order.
Det Insp Green said a domestic violence order was in place and the woman “was the aggrieved”.
The commissioner said the incident was “an absolute tragedy”.
“A horrific scene. A horrific scene, not only for police but for neighbours,” Ms Carroll said.
“They have witnessed what has taken place. It is on the footpath in front of their house, their units, and it is very, very difficult for police to deal with, let alone members of the public.”
The 29-year-old Morayfield man is expected to front Caboolture Magistrates Court via video link on Friday.
Police urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
