Man who drove ute into police station dies in custody
Updated . First published at
A man who was charged with driving a ute into a police station in New South Wales′ Central West has died in custody.
Donny Hobbs, 67, was targeting a retiring police officer when he ploughed into Mudgee Police Station with his ute last week.
Hobbs had been in custody since last Friday. 9News
He was charged multiple charges, including destroying/damaging property with intent to endanger life after driving his Land Cruiser through the front of the station.
There were no injuries reported.
However, Hobbs died in custody yesterday, Corrective Services NSW confirmed.
“Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) is aware of a 67-year-old inmate who died at Bathurst Correctional Centre on Wednesday, 3 June 2026,” a spokesperson told nine.com.au.
“CSNSW and NSW Police are investigating the incident.”
Hobbs had multiple run ins with police, and was reportdly targeting a retirement ceremony for an officer who had served for 40 years. 9News
Hobbs was seen at the police station shortly before driving into it, reportedly telling police “I’ll be back when I drove through the place.”
He then drove at two officers patrolling on foot at about 1.30pm on Friday along Market Street in Mudgee, before driving towards the police station.
He falsely claimed to be covered in cyanide before he was pinned to the ground and restrained by officers, who then arrested him.
It is believed Hobbs had numerous run-ins with police, with Detective Constable Scott Whale, who was having a send-off after 40 years in the force, being the reported target of his attack.
Whale was set to have a march out at the police station, and if Hobbs had driven his car into the police station 10 minutes after he did, there could have been around 50 people in the area.
Corrective Services NSW confirmed his death would be reported to the coroner and subject to a public inquiry, which is required after any death in custody.
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