Two men were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in life-threatening conditions after a shooting incident. The 23-year-old son suffered injuries to his foot and hand, while the 30-year-old alleged gunman, identified as Mitchell Barnes, had a laceration to his skull and possibly a broken arm. Barnes fled the scene in a white Mazda hatchback, which was later found abandoned. He then switched to a 2005 black Toyota Camry sedan with NSW registration ‘DL 48 YW. A black, six-shot revolver was recovered from the scene, and police warned the public that Barnes could still be armed. The alleged attacker also kept a knife attached to a key ring for a green motorbike, which was found covered in blood.
Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles stated that the first officers at the scene provided first aid to the father and his severely injured son. He appealed to the alleged shooter to surrender, emphasizing that the situation was not going away. The 38-year-old female partner of the alleged shooter left the scene before police arrived and has been asked to contact law enforcement. Police clarified that the altercation between the couple was purely verbal, and there was no indication that the woman had been injured in the incident. Members of the public were advised not to approach Barnes but to call triple zero if they saw him. Police urged any witnesses with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.
Both victims were expected to survive their injuries, with the 23-year-old son in stable condition at the hospital. Police confirmed that three shots were fired during the incident, consistent with the number of bullets left in the gun found at the scene. Despite this, officers warned that the alleged shooter might still be armed, based on previous reports. The use of a different vehicle and the recovery of a bloodied knife suggested that Barnes was trying to evade capture. Authorities continued to seek information from the public and stressed the importance of reporting any sightings of the suspect.
The situation escalated quickly as police arrived at the scene knee-deep in providing tactical first aid to the injured father and son. Acting Chief Superintendent Miles emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for Barnes to surrender peacefully. The 38-year-old woman associated with the suspect was reportedly unharmed and urged to cooperate with law enforcement. The public was reminded to prioritize safety and report any sightings or information related to the case. With the recovery of a revolver and knife from the scene, police emphasized the potential danger posed by the armed suspect on the run.
The 30-year-old alleged gunman, Mitchell Barnes, remained at large following the shooting incident, with police urging him to surrender for his own safety and the safety of the public. His 38-year-old female partner left the scene unharmed but was asked to contact law enforcement. With the recovery of a revolver and a knife from the scene, police emphasized the potential threat posed by Barnes. The public was encouraged to report any sightings or information related to the case. The urgent appeal for cooperation and vigilance aimed to ensure the swift resolution of the situation while prioritizing the safety of the community.
The incident involving the shooting and subsequent pursuit of the alleged gunman, Mitchell Barnes, highlighted the need for public cooperation in apprehending the suspect. Both victims were expected to survive their injuries, although Barnes remained at large and potentially armed. Police urged witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist in locating Barnes and ensuring the safety of the community. The recovery of weapons at the scene underscored the seriousness of the situation, prompting a swift and coordinated response from law enforcement. The public’s vigilance and cooperation were essential in bringing the alleged gunman to justice and preventing further harm.
