Shane Bowden murder: Breakthrough as police charge alleged bikie boss

Eight months on, police have made a major breakthrough in their investigation of the murder of bikie enforcer Shane Bowden – and delivered a stark warning to up to a dozen people they believe are connected to the crime.

Police have made a sensational breakthrough in the case of a Gold Coast bikie gunned down in his own garage - and delivered a warning to anyone else connected to the crime.

Forty-six-year-old Ian Robert Crowden was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday, but while police allege he orchestrated the execution-style hit, they are still searching for up to a dozen other people connected to the crime, including two men who fired 21 rounds into Mr Bowden from point blank range last October.

Slain Gold Coast bikie Shane Bowden

Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith, the south eastern regional crime coordinator, said time was running out for anyone involved to take advantage of a $250,000 reward offering indemnity from prosecution.

“This person is not the only person [we will allege was] involved,” he said.

“There’s no loyalty in these gangs.

“They will give each other up at the drop of a hat to protect themselves.

“20-27 years is a long time to be away from your family.

“It’s time for them to ask if they want to be sitting in a Watchhouse or are they going to help us?”

It comes after police last week released footage of the masked men seen running from Bowden’s home seconds after the shooting, and offered a $250,000 reward for information.

Crowden was arrested this morning and driven by detectives in a silver Commodore into the Brisbane watch-house just before 11am.

Wearing a baseball cap, black hoodie and a mask, he kept his face down as he was driven past waiting media.

It will be alleged the 46-year-old is the president of the Brisbane West chapter of the notorious Mongols bikie gang. He was once a feared member of the Rebels before patching over.

The suspect (foreground) is driven in to Brisbane watch-house on Saturday morning. Picture: Annette Dew

Bowden was a long-term member of the Mongols before defecting to the Finks shortly before his death last year.

Crime co-ordinator for the South Eastern police region Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith said the arrest marked the next stage of police investigations into Bowden’s murder.

“We will be alleging the man is the president of Brisbane West chapter of the Mongols OMCG,” Supt Smith said.

“It will be further alleged he counselled, directed and financed the premeditated execution of Mr Bowden.

“This investigation remains ongoing, and I remind others with knowledge of this crime of the availability of both a reward of $250,000 and an indemnity.

“It is time for these people to take steps to assist the investigation.

“They need to ask themselves do they want to be a witness or a potential defendant facing life imprisonment.”

Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.