In a bizarre and frightening incident, a woman allegedly used a knife to coerce a ride-share driver into taking her on an unexpected journey that ended with a ferry trip to a secluded island community in Moreton Bay.
The Alleged Carjacking and Unusual Demand
The Queensland Police Service reports that the event began around 12.20pm on December 17 in Hamilton, in Brisbane's north. The woman entered the vehicle on Kingsford Smith Drive and, while armed with a knife, allegedly threatened the driver.
She then made the driver take her to Masters Avenue in Victoria Point. Upon arrival, she left the car and boarded a passenger ferry destined for Coochiemudlo Island.
The Island Destination: A Quiet Community
Known affectionately as 'Coochie' to locals, Coochiemudlo Island is a small, residential island spanning roughly four square kilometres. It is home to approximately 850 people, including families and retirees, and is accessible only by a short passenger ferry or vehicle barge from Victoria Point.
The island is about a 50-minute drive south-east of the Brisbane CBD, offering a peaceful contrast to the alarming events that unfolded.
Arrest and Charges Laid
Officers from the Bayside Criminal Investigation Branch located the woman on Coochiemudlo Island and took her into custody at about 6.15pm on the same day. Fortunately, no one was physically injured during the entire ordeal.
The 33-year-old woman from Birtinya has been charged with multiple offences. These include two counts of obstructing a police officer and one count each of unlawful entry of a vehicle, threats, and deprivation of liberty.
She faced Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday, where she was remanded in custody. Her matter is next set to be heard on February 19, 2026.
Police Appeal for Information
Investigators are urging anyone with information, particularly motorists with dashcam footage from the area near the pedestrian crossing at Kingsford Smith Drive and Crescent Road in Hamilton around the time of the incident, to contact police.
