Arrests Made in Browns Plains Arson

Queensland Police have apprehended two men in connection with a suspicious fire at a Browns Plains tobacco store that occurred last month, resulting in serious injuries to two individuals. The arrests were part of a methodical investigation led by the Logan District Criminal Investigation Branch, supported by the Crime and Intelligence Command.

On May 30, emergency services were dispatched to a business on Forestglen Crescent, where a building was reported to be engulfed in flames. Two individuals, aged 47 and 54, were found at the scene with severe burns and were subsequently transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

It is alleged that two offenders entered the premises, used an accelerant to start the fire, and fled the scene. Following extensive investigations, which included CCTV and forensic analyses, police arrested a 40-year-old man from Coes Creek and a 41-year-old man from Ascot on June 18.

Detective Acting Inspector Adam Bennett emphasized the calculated nature of the arrests, which were part of Operation X-Ray Tank. “This was a deliberate and dangerous act that could have easily resulted in loss of life,” he stated, crediting the dedication of detectives and specialist officers for the successful apprehension.

The men have been charged with multiple offences, including arson and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. They are set to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court today. This case is aligned with Taskforce Masher, a broader initiative targeting violent crimes affecting tobacco stores across Queensland. Investigations continue, and police urge anyone with information to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.