Six Charged After Gateway Bridge Burnouts & Fireworks on NYE

Six people have been charged with 40 offences following an investigation into hooning on Brisbane's Gateway Bridge on New Year’s Eve, with the footage later posted on social media. Police allege several vehicles blocked northbound lanes of the Gateway Motorway at Murarrie before a group performed burnouts and let off fireworks about 11:50pm on December 31. Detective Acting Inspector Sean Webster said multiple police crews responded, however those allegedly involved fled the scene before officers arrived. "I think anyone who has seen the footage on social media would agree that this sort of driving is very dangerous and it is not only something that can harm other members of the community but certainly the participants themselves," he said. During its investigation police carried out multiple search warrants across Alexandra Hills, Caboolture, Daisy Hill, Ebbw Vale, Ellen Grove, Kingston, Logan Village, Ormeau, Waterford and Waterford West. Detective Acting Inspector Webster said police believe nine of the 13 vehicles seized were involved in the event on New Year's Eve, while three were allegedly stolen vehicles and one was used in a different hooning incident. Six boys and men, aged between 16 and 52, have been charged. Five are facing hooning offences and three of the teenagers, aged 16, 18 and 19, have been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle publishing material on social media. Two 21-year-old men have been issued with fines and two demerit points for multiple offences, including wilfully starting or driving a vehicle in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke and spectating without a reasonable excuse in hooning group activity. A 52-year-old Logan man will also face court next month with police alleging he was found in possession of an unregistered air rifle and rifle when a search warrant was conducted. Investigations are continuing and those with footage are urged to contact police. "We certainly anticipate that further arrests will occur," he said. "We hope this sends a clear message that hooning and that sort of dangerous driving is unacceptable and is something that police take seriously."