LATEST @ September 6 | A man has now been charged after sparking chaotic scenes in the heart of Surfers Paradise when he allegedly set fire to a business.
Emergency crews rushed to the famous glitter strip around 6.30pm on Thursday after receiving multiple reports of an ‘armed man’ running through the tourism hotspot with a petrol can.
“It will be alleged around 6.25pm, a 41-year-old Surfers Paradise man attended a business on Surfers Paradise Boulevard where he assaulted a female employee,” Queensland Police said.
“The man, allegedly armed with a gel blaster, then demanded money from the woman and her 68-year-old male friend, before leaving the scene on foot”.
The man returned just moments later, where an altercation broke out between the pair before he allegedly set fire to the foyer of the business before doing a runner.
Police swarmed the scene and took the 41-year-old into custody at an address on Cavill Avenue a short time later.
He has since been charged with two counts of attempted robbery use violence armed and one count each of arson, serious assault person over 60, enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence and obstruct police officer.
He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court today.
EARLIER @ September 5 | The heart of Surfers Paradise has been plunged into chaos after a man allegedly wielding a gun set fire to a business.
Emergency crews rushed to the famous glitter strip around 6pm on Thursday after receiving multiple reports of an armed man running through the tourism hotspot with a petrol can.
“He has threatened staff and set a business alight on Surfers Paradise Boulevard before fleeing the scene,” A Queensland Police spokesperson told Hot Tomato.
The alleged gunman was taken into custody in front of shocked onlookers along Cavill Avenue a short time later.
Cavill Avenue and Orchard Avenue were both closed off while fire crews worked to douse the flames and other authorities responded.
The blaze has since been extinguished and both streets have now reopened to the public.
Police have confirmed there is “no further threat to the community”.
The motive for the firebombing remains unclear, with investigations ongoing.
