A Queensland man, Chad Hillier, has been hailed as a local hero after he apprehended a man he suspected of peering into a 13-year-old girl's bedroom window. The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Meriden Plains, on the Sunshine Coast.
Mr. Hillier reported spotting a hooded individual outside the girl's window. He then confronted the man, detaining him until police arrived. A video, initially posted by Mr. Hillier on social media but since removed, reportedly showed the confrontation. Shouting and loud noises could be heard during the citizen's arrest.
Following the apprehension, Mr. Hillier posed for a photograph pinning the alleged prowler to the ground, which he later used to create and sell t-shirts. The shirts feature slogans such as "No more Peeping Toms" and "Not on my Neighbourhood Watch," with "Citizen Vigilante" printed on the back. They are being sold for $39.95.
Queensland Police confirmed they were called to the scene following reports of a prowler being detained by a neighbor. The detained man, identified as a 30-year-old, has been charged with two counts of trespass and one count of observations in breach of privacy. He is scheduled to appear in Caloundra Magistrates Court on July 30.
Social media users have responded positively to Mr. Hillier's actions, with many calling him an "Aussie hero" and expressing appreciation for his intervention to protect the young girl.