Raymond Thomas Whyte charged with arson, assaults after alleged Sarina rampage

New details in the case against a man accused of torching a unit complex and using an axe in a frightening rampage across a regional town can be revealed.

Nextra Freechoice Sarina was closed on Saturday October 19, after the shop front was damaged in an alleged axe rampage the previous night. Picture: Fergus Gregg

A man accused of an axe rampage through Sarina after allegedly starting a fire at an apartment complex was back in court as his lawyer revealed a medical report will be prepared.

Raymond Thomas Whyte is facing 19 charges, 14 of which stem from a single alleged crime spree at Sarina on October 18, 2024.

Police allege the 44-year-old Mirani man deliberately set fire to a Railway Square unit complex, before threatening multiple people with an axe at a nearby hotel.

He then allegedly used the weapon to assault a man, and smash into a grocery and liquor store.

Police further allege he fled the scene in a Nissan Navara ute, before assaulting a man while attempting to take a second vehicle from a Bruce Highway property at Chelona.

Paramedics assisted with a reported house fire on Station Lane in Sarina at 7.01pm on October 18. Photo taken 10am on October 19, where a crime scene has been declared. Picture: Fergus Gregg

It is alleged about 8pm the Navara crashed into a house on Homebush Rd, Rosella, before the driver struck a pedestrian and attempted to flee the scene on foot.

The dog squad was used to take the man into police custody just after 8pm at Bakers Creek.

Mr White is charged with arson, five counts of assault causing bodily harm – two of which are aggravated, dangerous driving while adversely affected, going armed so as to cause fear, trespassing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and four counts of wilful damage.

He is also charged with stealing, authority to possess explosives, and possessing drugs, used drug utensils and category A/B/M weapons.

The case has been progressing since October 2024 and was mentioned on July 9 in Mackay Magistrates Court when Legal Aid Queensland solicitor Ancilla Seethya said she held instructions for a psychiatric report to be prepared.

Mr Whyte, who has been in custody since his arrest, had an appointment booked in mid-September.

The matter will be mentioned in late October.