Gold Coast: Police charge man after shots fired in Surfers Paradise

Police have charged a man after shots were fired in the heart of the Gold Coast, triggering an emergency lockdown.

An alleged gunman has been charged after shots were fired in the heart of the Gold Coast in Queensland, triggering an immediate lockdown.

The 38-year-old Varsity Lakes man was found hiding out near a unit complex along Hamilton Ave at Surfers Paradise at 1.30pm on Tuesday after reports of a fight between two men.

Police allege one man pulled out a BB gun and fired shots at another man outside a high rise at around 1pm.

In a dramatic turn of events, police locked down the area and urged residents to stay indoors while they pursued the man.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Angelique Maloney said multiple people reported the incident. Picture: Richard Gosling.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Angelique Maloney said there were “several reports of an armed male on the Esplanade at Surfers Paradise.”

“Shortly after, we were informed that a shot had been fired.”.

The man, who has since been arrested, is believed to have weaponised a “gas-powered BB-type handgun”, which looks similar to a real firearm.

Police are to yet to find the person the alleged offender was chasing.

Detectives and police officers remained at the scene following the incident. Picture: Richard Gosling.

There was a heavy police presence during the incident, with officers kitted out in bulletproof vests.

The 38-year-old man has been charged with one count each of dangerous conduct with a weapon and possess dangerous drugs.

He was refused police bail and is expected to face Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Originally published as Gold Coast: Police charge man after shots fired in Surfers Paradise