On June 15, at around 7:50 pm, two teenagers riding an e-bike allegedly discharged a fire extinguisher into the back window of a Silver Suzuki Vitara stopped at a red light on High Street in Sippy Downs. Inside the vehicle were 29-year-old Leon and his five-month-old daughter, Pixie. Leon’s partner, Tiffani Teasdale, recounted the incident, indicating that smoke quickly filled the car, making it difficult for Leon to see or breathe. As the teenagers sprayed the extinguisher, Leon shouted out to alert them that a baby was in the vehicle.
After the disturbing incident, little Pixie was rushed to the hospital, where medical staff worked urgently to wash the chemicals from her eyes. Tiffani described the alarming scene in which she saw her daughter with bloodshot eyes and covered in red rashes.
In the wake of this incident, law enforcement launched a manhunt for the individuals responsible. Authorities have since announced the arrest of two boys, aged 15 and 14, both from Buderim. The older boy has been charged with 13 offences, including two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. The younger boy faces six charges, incorporating two counts each of wilful damage and assault. Furthermore, police claim that the fire extinguisher used in the attack was stolen from a nearby parking area earlier that evening. Both teenagers will face consequences under the Youth Justice Act.
The investigation highlights the alarming nature of the incident, which has raised community concerns regarding the safety of children and the severity of the actions taken by the teenagers involved.