Pet dog dies after hit by hail of bullets on Cobai Drive, Mudgeeraba, woman ducks for cover

Police have obtained CCTV of a man spraying high-powered rifle shots into a Gold Coast dwelling before fleeing, with the dog dying from a bullet to shoulder. ‘Very frightening,’ a neighbour said.

A pet dog has died after a terrifying shooting at a Gold Coast unit complex in what is believed to be a targeted attack by a man armed with a high-powered rifle.

An apartment at a unit complex at Mudgeeraba was hit with a hail of bullets about 5am on Sunday, which sent the female occupant diving for cover while a pet dog was hit by a bullet.

The dog was rushed to a nearby vet for emergency surgery but later died from its injuries.

The 43-year-old woman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment for minor injuries, but it is not believed she was struck by any bullets.

Police believe a man approached the rear door of the apartment and fired seven shots from a high-powered rifle into the dwelling before fleeing the scene.

The door showed multiple bullet holes spread out, at both high and low points going through it.

A pet dog has died after a Gold Coast unit was sprayed with bullets. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Acting Superintendent Mark Mooney from Gold Coast Police said it was believed to be a targeted attack against the occupants of the apartment and the dog was collateral damage.

“We believe it was targeted and there is no threat to the community,” he said.

“It’s extremely concerning and we’re really fortunate the lady wasn’t killed herself or we would be dealing with a murder investigation.

“It’s really scary (and) we are still determining the reasons why it has occurred.”

Police at the scene of the shooting. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The woman was scheduled to undergo surgery at Gold Coast University Hospital on Monday for injuries to her hand.

The dog, a small breed which was in the lounge room of the property, was struck by a bullet in the shoulder.

Police have studied CCTV footage of the incident, which shows a lone gunman approach the back of the apartment.

Police at the scene of a shooting in at a unit complex in Cobai Drive Mudgeeraba. A woman was taken to hospital and a dog was put down after the unit was peppered with bullets from a high powered rifle. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Police believe he fled the scene in a motor vehicle but have not determined whether he had an accomplice or acted alone.

Police are also investigating whether the attack is linked to a shooting at Palm Beach last week and a raid at Ormeau on Sunday.

On Monday morning, the unit was tapped off and police were inspecting the gardens.

A blue marquee was positioned at the back door of the property.

A neighbour said she awoke to several shots being fired early on Sunday morning.

“It was a bit scary (but) I ended up going back to sleep,” she said. “It’s just a normal area (here), it’s just sad…the dog, I just feel for the dog.”

Another neighbour in the complex said she knew the woman, but most of the residents largely kept to themselves.

“It was very frightening,” she said.

“I asked police yesterday should we be afraid?”

She said nothing like this has happened in the complex before since living there for over a decade.

The unit was metres across the road from Mudgeeraba Special School.

Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.