Community on Alert After Reports of Reckless Driving by White Jeep in Maitland and Cessnock

According to local residents, a white Jeep Patriot has been reported driving dangerously across the Maitland and Cessnock regions. Witnesses have described the vehicle as having yellow number plates with black writing. The characters on the plates appear distorted and illegible, making identification difficult.

The first major incident was reported in Rutherford, where the Jeep nearly collided with a vehicle at a roundabout. Jessie Jones, a witness, shared her alarming experience on the Cessnock Community Noticeboard, stating that the driver almost hit her car twice within five minutes. “First, they cut me off at a roundabout in Rutherford, nearly taking off my front end. Then, they nearly side-swiped me in Farley,” Jones said. She also mentioned that the number plates were completely unreadable, likening them to a glitchy graphic.

The Jeep was next spotted in Lochinvar, speeding past a school at around 2:15 PM. Another witness, Chris Landers, estimated the vehicle was travelling at over 140 km/h. His wife remarked that it was astonishing the Jeep didn’t cause an accident given its erratic driving.

Later in the afternoon, Shell Croucher reported another close call with what she believes was the same Jeep. “It nearly hit me on Flat Road going towards Melbourne Street lights at 2:40 PM this afternoon,” she posted on the Maitland 2320 Community Notice Board. In addition to the dangerous driving, TeeJay Lee Selbach mentioned that a vehicle fitting that description had earlier failed to pay and drove off from the Rutherford Ampol service station.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among local residents, with the post on the Cessnock Community Noticeboard quickly garnering attention. Comments from the community reflect a mix of fear, frustration, and anger. Many residents expressed their relief that no one had been hurt yet, while others speculated that the vehicle might be stolen or driven by young, reckless individuals. “Hope they are caught before they kill someone!” one resident commented. Several people have also noted that the driver’s erratic behaviour has been ongoing for several hours. Many have phoned the police and reported the Jeep’s dangerous driving.

Jessie Jones also revealed that her one-year-old son was in the car with her during the near-misses, leaving her shaken by the ordeal.

It is estimated that dozens to hundreds of people have seen the Jeep throughout the day, with many expressing their concerns on social media. Authorities have yet to release an official statement, but residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any further sightings of the white Jeep Patriot to the police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.