Mr Percival’s shooting: Police find boat used in Howard Smith Wharves incident
Serious incidents possibly involving bikies late last year at a popular Brisbane overwater bar are being probed by police in their investigation of the latest targeting of the venue.
Crime & Justice
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BIKIES may be responsible for attacks carried out against a popular Brisbane bar, police believe, after the riverside venue was shot at and firebombed in the space of two weeks.
Police yesterday revealed several serious incidents from late last year at trendy overwater bar Mr Percival’s would form a significant part of their investigation into Operation Siera Stackbolt, which aims to find who is responsible for the two terrifying attacks.
Mr Percival’s fire: CCTV captures person of interest
Riverside bar Mr Percival’s damaged by fire
Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming yesterday said the police had only recently been alerted to a significant incident at the venue from November 17, 2019, but confirmed it formed an important part of the investigation.
“Some incidents at Mr Percival’s late last year involving a number of people where there was inappropriate behaviour and threatening language to people and staff at Mr Percival’s,” Det Sup Fleming said.
“There’s been some suggestion that these people are linked to OMCGs (outlaw motorcycle gangs) — now whether that’s as a consequence of their membership or whether it’s coincidental, that remains to be seen.”
The revelation comes as police reveal the boat they believe was used in Monday morning’s river shooting incident had been stolen from Surfers Paradise sometime between December 26-29, before it’s thought to have been taken to a riverside location in Brisbane’s east.
Several people are thought to have travelled on the boat from that location to Mr Percival’s, where they shot at the venue at 1.55am Monday.
Det Sup Fleming would not comment on the type of gun used or how many bullets were fired, but would confirm they were shot within close proximity of the venue.
“Multiple shots hit the premises and while the premises was closed, there were people in side and we are very fortunate no one was hurt,” he said.
“I consider these very serious crimes. And I consider the risk posed to community safety as a result is unacceptable.”
Det Sup Fleming said the investigators would take a two pronged approach to the operation: the detection and prosecution of those responsible; and the deterrence of further crimes of a similar nature.
“Crimes like this are of particular concern to me, because an innocent third party who has nothing to do with this, could potentially die – and that’s not tolerable.
“We’re not just doing this as a little investigation at Fortitude Valley, we’re taking a wholistic view to this.”
The Operation includes specialist police from the State Crime Command, water police, and the forensics and ballistics units.
Det Sup Fleming said he could not guarantee the safety of patrons willing to return to Howard Smith Wharves, but hoped people would carry on as usual.
“We obviously can’t give any guarantees but we are really keen for people to go about their lives, and we’ve certainly spoken to the management and the owner about things they can do to keep (people) safe and engage with us and security. “I don’t have any specific information that makes me think (it’s) a real imminent threat at the moment.”
Police urge anyone with information on the attacks from December 21 or January 6, or anyone who may have spotted the boat at locations along the river to come forward.
Policelink 131444.
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