Two Men Charged After Queensland Crime Spree

Queensland police have charged two men over an alleged series of firearm, vehicle theft and arson offences spanning the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions between August 24 and 27.

Police said multiple firearms were stolen from a Childers address on August 26. Investigators allege the men used a stolen white Mitsubishi Triton, which was later found burned out near Lake MacDonald on the Sunshine Coast. A silver Nissan Maxima was then allegedly stolen from Cooroy and located at a Nambour service station, where police allege the driver drove toward officers.

The alleged driver later fled and was reportedly seen driving dangerously near Noosa. Police allege he fired a shot toward a POLAIR helicopter at Noosa Heads before fleeing on foot and stealing a brown Toyota Yaris at gunpoint. Officers later located the vehicle and arrested a 21-year-old Hervey Bay man. Multiple firearms and a large knife were seized, police said. A 44-year-old West Gladstone man was arrested after exiting the Nissan at the Nambour service station.

The 21-year-old has been charged with 30 offences, while the 44-year-old faces 15 charges, including offences relating to vehicle theft, arson, weapons, drugs and assaults on police. Both men are expected to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 28. An emergency declaration made under the Public Safety Preservation Act was later revoked. The investigation is being conducted under reference numbers QP2601669232, QP2601673673 and QP2601674263.