A police dog helped bring two men into custody after an alleged dangerous driving incident caused panic in the Murrumba Downs area. Stryker, a Queensland Police service dog, tracked the suspects through bushland after they ran from a dumped vehicle, ending a tense chase that had stretched across multiple suburbs.
Trouble on the Bruce Highway
The trouble began in Murrumba Downs, where a quiet afternoon was shattered by reports of shots fired from a passing car on the Bruce Highway. People going about their day suddenly found themselves caught near a chaotic police operation, and within minutes, officers were tracking a black Commodore speeding away from the scene.
It was just after 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, when calls were received by Queensland Police. Patrol units responded quickly and spotted the vehicle near the northbound Murrumba Downs exit. But instead of stopping, the car allegedly took off, setting in motion a chase that would stretch across multiple suburbs and bring in air and ground support.
Chase Across the Northside
The Commodore moved north toward Morayfield, turned around at some point, and was later seen weaving through Carseldine and other northern suburbs. A tyre deflation device was laid out near Mount Samson, and though it hit its mark, the car kept moving. Eventually, it was abandoned on Watson Road in Armstrong Creek.
Police say the two men inside jumped out and made a run for it. That’s when the search on foot began, with officers calling in their four-legged colleague.
Enter Stryker the Police Dog
Stryker, a trained police dog with the Queensland Dog Squad, was released into the area to assist. He picked up the scent and led officers through the nearby bushland. It didn’t take long before both suspects were found.
The arrest didn’t come without injury—one of the men, 26-year-old Adam James Rae Slade, was bitten during the takedown and had to be taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital for surgery. Police later described the injuries as “traumatic”.
Charges and Court Appearances
Slade, from Bli Bli, and the second man, Tyger Jack Titmarsh of Greenbank, both 26, now face a list of serious charges. These include unlawful use of a motor vehicle, obstructing police, possession of suspected stolen items, and endangering the safe use of vehicles—a charge that can carry a life sentence.
Police said the men allegedly threw a tyre and released a fire extinguisher into traffic during the chase, endangering drivers on the Bruce Highway.
No firearms were recovered from the car, and no one was injured by gunfire, but investigations are still underway.
Court Delays and Next Steps
Slade was too injured to appear in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court the following day, and his case was postponed to Friday. Titmarsh did attend court on July 24, but his solicitor did not apply for bail. His next appearance has been scheduled for September 18, with police ordered to hand over their brief of evidence by September 3.
Community on Alert
Back in Murrumba Downs, residents were left rattled by the sudden police presence, traffic disruption and reports of gunfire. While there’s no ongoing threat to the community, Queensland Police are encouraging anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV from the day to come forward as investigations continue.
What began with a report of gunfire ended with a four-legged officer doing what he was trained to do—find the suspects and help keep the community safe.
Published 25-July-2025
