Residents were on high alert across the weekend as police searched for alleged gunman

A Cairns suburb was thrown into chaos as police launched a manhunt for an alleged gunman following numerous reports of a man brandishing a weapon. SEE THE FOOTAGE.

A Cairns suburb was thrown into chaos as police launched a manhunt for an alleged gunman following numerous reports of a man brandishing a weapon.

Multiple police units, the Dog Squad and the Police Helicopter were on the hunt in Manunda to locate the suspect, a 47-year-old Masig Island man, on Sunday, January 5.

After locating the suspect, on English Street in Manunda at 2.15pm, investigations revealed the firearm was a gel blaster.

A spokeswoman for Queensland Police Service said police had received multiple reports from concerned members of the public, who had seen the driver produce what appeared to be a “firearm”.

Police body worn camera footage showing a gel blaster which was found in a white Toyota Yaris being driven by a 47-year-old Masig Island man.

“He produced what appeared to be a firearm to other road users on a number of occasions,” the QPS spokeswoman said.

Police soon located the Masig Island man, driving the white Toyota Yaris, who was then taken into custody without incident.

The man was charged with going armed to cause fear, carrying an exposed weapon in a public place and possession of drug utensils.

He is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on January 21.

Manhunt for an alleged gunman in Cairns, Manunda. Picture: Supplied.

In a separate incident Tactical Crime Squad officers arrested a 51-year-old man after he allegedly robbed a liquor store in Cairns North.

Police alleged Ross Douglas Koonutta entered a bottle shop on Sheridan Street on Friday, January 3 and again on January 4.

“It will be alleged the man entered the store and was browsing items before he was spotted allegedly concealing a bottle of spirits down his pants,” a QPS spokeswoman said.

“He was approached by a security officer, the man then allegedly produced a knife and threatened the security officer.”

A Cairns suburb was thrown into chaos as police launched a manhunt for an alleged gunman following numerous reports of a man brandishing a weapon. Picture: Supplied.

When the 51-year-old returned the following day, the Tactical Crime Squad arrested him.

The man was charged with armed robbery and stealing.

Mr Koonutta appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday Januar 6 where the court heard he produced a 10cm steak knife at the Dunwoody’s bottle shop.

His bail was denied and his matter was adjourned.

Originally published as Residents were on high alert across the weekend as police searched for alleged gunman