Toowong Hit Twice in Alleged Slingshot Attack Spree Across Brisbane

Toowong has emerged as a key location in a series of alleged drive-by slingshot attacks after two separate incidents in the suburb left members of the public injured and led to charges against four men.



A Paddington woman was among four people allegedly injured during a series of drive-by slingshot attacks across Brisbane’s western suburbs, prompting Queensland Police to appeal for any additional victims to come forward.

Police allege a group of four men used homemade slingshots and pocket-shot style devices to fire metal objects from a moving vehicle at members of the public on multiple nights between May 27 and May 31.

Four People Reported Injured Across Western Brisbane

According to Queensland Police Service, a 22-year-old woman was struck on the forehead in Paddington on May 27. On the same day, a 36-year-old woman was allegedly struck on the hand in Toowong.

Further incidents were reported on May 31, when a 53-year-old man was allegedly struck in the back in Toowong and a 64-year-old woman was allegedly struck in the jaw in St Lucia.

Police believe additional incidents may have occurred during the same period.

Photo Credit: QPS

Vehicle Stopped in Chapel Hill

Police intercepted a Hyundai i30 on Chapel Hill Road shortly after 11:00 p.m. on May 31.

Investigators allege they located two handmade slingshots, two pocket-shot style devices and a set of knuckle dusters inside the vehicle.

Two men were detained at the scene.

Photo Credit: QPS

Search Warrants Lead to Further Charges

Queensland Police later executed search warrants at properties in Redbank Plains and Forest Lake.

Police allege officers located items connected to the assaults, along with cannabis and drug utensils.

Three 19-year-old men and one 20-year-old man have since been charged with a range of offences, including assault occasioning bodily harm, serious assault of a person over 60, common assault and discharging a weapon in a public place.

One of the accused was remanded in custody while the remaining three were granted bail.

Police Appeal for More Witnesses

Investigators say enquiries are continuing and are urging anyone who may have been struck by an object thrown from a vehicle in Paddington, Toowong, St Lucia or Chapel Hill to contact police.



All four accused are expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court later this June.

Published 11-June-2026

No Answers in Unsolved Lesley Trotter Case in Toowong

Lesley Trotter, a 78-year-old retired school teacher known for her active lifestyle and dedication to recycling, disappeared from her Toowong home in March 2023. The coroner ruled her deceased, but the cause of death remains undetermined.



Ms Trotter last contacted her family on 27 March 2023. Her brother found her Maryvale Street unit unlocked the following day, with her phone, wallet, and car left behind. Concerned, he reported her missing, prompting an immediate police search.

Lesley Trotter case remains unsolved
Photo Credit: QPS

Investigation and Theories

Authorities found traces of blood near bins outside her unit. They determined that her body was inside a wheelie bin collected by a BCC rubbish truck from Clayton Lane on 28 March 2023. Despite an extensive search of over 3,000 tonnes of waste at landfill sites in Swanbank and Rochedale, her remains were never recovered.

Police considered three possibilities:

  • A medical episode while sorting through bins.
  • Accidental misadventure.
  • Foul play, potentially linked to tensions with neighbours over her recycling habits.

Ms Trotter was known for meticulously checking bins to ensure recyclables were correctly sorted. While some neighbours appreciated her efforts, others found her behaviour intrusive. Police acknowledged possible tensions but found no direct evidence linking disputes to her disappearance.

Extensive Search Yields No Answers

The search for Ms Trotter’s body was one of Queensland’s largest waste facility operations, involving the Australian Defence Force. Investigators quarantined waste sites and sifted through rubbish, finding various “items of interest,” but none linked to her. Decomposing waste hindered recovery efforts, and the search was called off.

Lesley Trotter Toowong case
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information



The case remains open. Queensland Police urge anyone with relevant information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from 28 March 2023 to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Even minor details may be crucial in determining how Ms Trotter’s body ended up in the bin and whether foul play was involved.

Published 27-Feb-2025