A Sippy Downs resident’s brave actions led to the arrest of 19-year-old Devontae Simpson, effectively ending a two-week crime spree that spanned Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The incident, which occurred on February 17, 2024, was detailed in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Simpson, who pleaded guilty to over 30 charges, including burglaries and multiple counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles, met his match when he attempted to steal a Toyota LandCruiser ute from a Sippy Downs property. The resident, alerted by the sound of his vehicle starting, rushed to confront the thief.
In a display of quick thinking and courage, the Sippy Downs homeowner jumped into the passenger side of his vehicle as Simpson attempted to flee. Despite the teen’s efforts to escape, including reversing at high speed into a fence, the determined resident managed to pull the handbrake, bringing the vehicle to a halt.
After Simpson fled on foot, the homeowner gave chase, successfully tackling and subduing the young offender. The struggle left the Sippy Downs man with lacerations to his arm and knee, but his perseverance paid off. With the help of neighbours, Simpson was detained until police arrived.
This act of bravery not only protected the Sippy Downs resident’s property but also put an end to a crime spree that had seen luxury vehicles stolen from upscale Brisbane suburbs, including Ashgrove, Auchenflower, Virginia, Bardon, and Clayfield.
The court heard that Simpson’s criminal activities began on January 26 in north Brisbane and escalated to include the theft of high-end vehicles such as a Porsche, BMW, Audi, Jeep, and Mercedes. Police prosecutor Shane Raison described Simpson’s philosophy during the spree as “What’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is mine.”
As a result of his crimes and the brave intervention of the Sippy Downs resident, Simpson has been sentenced to 15 months in jail, with parole eligibility set for January 3, 2025.
Published 3-September-2024
