A man has been charged for allegedly performing stunts in a 'clown car' after videos were uploaded across "various social media channels".
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Queensland Police executed a search warrant on September 30 at the Sunshine Coast man's address where he was arrested and subsequently charged.
The man faces eleven charges including two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of careless driving and a number of other driving related offences.
Police allege the man purchased a 'clown car' that comprised of a fuel system with a plastic jerrycan attached to a rubber hose.
There were allegedly some additional modifications made to the vehicle.
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Police allege the 29-year-old performed "stunts" in the car which included repeated burnouts and front wheel stands.
One alleged instance also included a "tug of war between the car and a group of men holding a snatch strap".
It's alleged he crashed at speed in Beerwah and rolled down an embankment.
Footage of the driving was shared across multiple social media channels including "instructional videos on how to modify vehicles, broadcast to thousands of subscribers," according to police.
The clown car and another vehicle were grounded and seized for allegedly being "grossly defective and non-compliant".
The Sunshine Coast man was granted bail after being charged and is expected to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 12.
Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate people who allegedly appeared and contributed in the videos.
At this stage, 9 alleged participants were issued with 70 traffic infringement notices and a combined total of 99 associated demerit points.
The combined cost of the traffic infringement notices, to date, is $27,800.
Sunshine Coast district superintendent Craig Hawkins described the alleged behaviour as "childish and selfish".
"Sharing these antics with his large contingent of online followers has come at a significant financial cost, both in fines and the loss of vehicles," he said.
"Our message to anyone taking part in foolish and high-risk activities or thinking you can push modified, unsafe vehicles to the limit is that we will continue to target you, investigate and take action."
Olivia Ireland
Olivia is a reporter for the Canberra Times. She has covered federal politics and public sector, court and crime, local news, arts, education and business. Olivia started as an intern in August 2021 and began her career with the Times after completing her studies in November 2021.
Olivia is a reporter for the Canberra Times. She has covered federal politics and public sector, court and crime, local news, arts, education and business. Olivia started as an intern in August 2021 and began her career with the Times after completing her studies in November 2021.
