Bradley McDonald: Alleged gunman charged with Mermaid Beach rampage faces court
A court has decided whether a man accused of holding a police officer at gunpoint and threatening numerous residents with the weapon will be freed on bail. FULL DETAILS
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A man accused of carrying out a terrifying armed rampage on a Gold Coast street – holding a police officer at gunpoint and threatening numerous civilians – has been denied bail.
Bradley Dean McDonald had visible bruising on both sides of his face when he was brought into Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
He is charged with more than a dozen offences including serious assault of police, deprivation of liberty, dangerous conduct with a weapon, and unlawful possession of a Category D/H/R weapon.
Police say Mr McDonald was found slumped over the wheel of a car on Karen Ave, Mermaid Beach about 6.20am Tuesday.
The court was told the 32-year-old seemed intoxicated when he initially spoke with two officers at the scene, claiming he had run out of fuel and was waiting for a friend.
It is alleged Mr McDonald then grabbed a small revolver inside the vehicle and jumped out of the car, grabbing the female constable in a ‘bear hug’ and holding the gun to her while using her as a shield between himself and the other officer.
His captive was allegedly shouting at him to let her go during the struggle, the court was told.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Greg McKenzie said the Currumbin Waters man soon released the officer and took off down the street on foot.
Sgt McKenzie said Mr McDonald allegedly threatened several motorists with the gun in a bid to steal their cars, at one point getting into one of the vehicles and pointing the weapon directly at the driver’s head while ordering them to drive.
The court was told each of the residents was able to fight off Mr McDonald or drive away.
Sgt McKenzie said the alleged gunman was cornered by police as he was trying to force his way into a taxi. He said the revolver was operative and loaded when found at the scene.
It was heard Mr McDonald was wanted on three unrelated arrest warrants at the time of the alleged rampage, though there was no evidence he knew about them.
Defence lawyer Jason Grant, of Grant Lawyers, said in his client’s bail application that he could be released on strict conditions to minimise his risk of committing further offences or endangering public safety.
Mr Grant said Mr McDonald was in a drug-affected “frenzy” at the time – spending all of Tuesday in hospital – and claimed he feared the police officers were in fact people trying to rob him when they began asking for his satchel bag.
He told the court his client would complete a three-month rehabilitation program at the Sunshine Coast to address the root cause of Mr McDonald’s alleged offending, with plans to then live with his mother in Mackay to further remove himself from the Gold Coast.
Magistrate Dzenita Balic refused Mr McDonald’s bail, saying the risk to the community would be “insurmountable” given the serious allegations and strength of the case against him.
Mr McDonald will be remanded in custody, with his case to return to court on November 21.
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Originally published as Bradley McDonald: Alleged gunman charged with Mermaid Beach rampage faces court
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