On the afternoon of Monday, 29 May 2017, Senior Constables Brett Forte and Catherine Nielsen of the Darling Downs District Tactical Crime Squad were following a dangerous wanted person driving a utility along the Warrego Highway. The vehicle was followed by Senior Constables Forte and Nielsen as it travelled off the highway to a junction in the road close to the front gate of a property just over a low rise in the road. The driver stopped suddenly just over the rise, quickly exited his vehicle and began firing an automatic weapon at the police car. Senior Constable Forte immediately began reversing the police vehicle at speed while under heavy fire and was shot twice whilst attempting to protect Senior Constable Nielsen from the barrage of gunfire. While reversing, the police vehicle rolled. Senior Constable Forte died from his injuries. His quick thinking, immediate response and brave actions saved the life of Senior Constable Nielsen.
