Alleged gunman in court wearing hospital gown after dog bite

The mother of a man who allegedly sparked the dramatic lockdown of a Gold Coast school and who got bitten by a police dog during his arrest says he was ‘a good boy’ whose life spiralled out of control after he lost his job.

The mother of a fugitive alleged gunman who triggered a dramatic two-day manhunt and school lockdown says she’s ‘glad’ he was bitten by a police dog rather than killed.

Glenys Lutgenau says her son Mark, 37, was ‘a good boy’ whose life spiralled out of control after he lost his job.

She also revealed he had cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.

A two-day manhunt for Lutgenau ended on Wednesday afternoon when he was arrested at Nerang by heavily-armed police from the elite Special Emergency Response Team (SERT).

He fled after an alleged domestic violence incident at an Upper Coomera home, sparking a major ground and air search, the declaration of two public emergencies and the lockdown of Ormeau State School.

While in hiding, he taunted police that he was ‘in the pub drinking Jds (Jack Daniels) and playing the pokies’ while they were ‘causing mayhem’ searching for him.

Lutegenau was bitten by a police dog during his arrest and taken to Gold Coast University hospital.

Mark Lutgenau appeared in court today. Photo Supplied QLD Police

Wearing a hospital gown and with his left forearm sporting a large bandage, he faced Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday on a string of charges including assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage, threatening violence and using a carriage to menace, harass or cause offence.

He was also charged with possessing dangerous drugs and drug utensils.

The duty lawyer told the court Lutgenau wanted a short adjournment so he could seek private legal advice.

She said his phone had been seized by police.

The magistrate adjourned the case until Friday.

Glenys Lutgenau told The Courier-Mail she was relieved that her son had been taken into custody without bloodshed.

“I’m glad he got bitten by the dog and nothing (worse) happened,” she said.

“I’m glad he didn’t get killed - that’s what I was worried about.”

Mrs Lutgenau said her son had been diagnosed with liver cancer but had not had his latest dose of chemotherapy late last year.

“From what I hear he lost his job,” she said.

“He found out he had cancer of the liver and had surgery. He was having chemotherapy but didn’t have his last lot.

“He’s been a good boy, but it just takes one thing to go off the rails.”

Mrs Lutgenau said she had tried unsuccessfully to reach out to her son while he was on the run but would continue to support him.