‘Drive-by shooting’ at Southport government building, mystery holes, police unaware

A number of holes – similar to those of bullets - have been found in the front of a Gold Coast government building with public servants fearful they’re being targeted. Read the latest.

Mystery holes found in the found in the front of the Southport Transit Centre. Picture: Charlton Hart

A major Gold Coast government building has been peppered with projectiles - akin to bullets - in a late night drive-by shooting, claim public servants who are in fear they’re being targeted.

Multiple shots were fired into the Southport Transit Centre from a passing car on Wednesday evening last week while staff were still inside, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) sources have claimed to the Bulletin.

Two rounds, which appear to be from a low-calibre firearm, struck the glass front doors, while two more rounds hit adjoining glass windows. On Sunday, the Bulletin took photos of what appeared to be bullet holes in the windows.

Mystery holes found in the found in the front of the Southport Transit Centre. Picture: Charlton Hart

The building, on Railway Street, is home to TMR’s Transport Inspectors and TransLink Senior Network Officers.

One staffer said it was feared the motive could have been retribution for a recent compliance crackdown on transport companies associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“Quite often the inspectors will bring people from those companies into the building to conduct interviews in the boardroom,” the TMR staffer said.

“There has been threats made in the past by those individuals when they have been given enforcement action.”

Mystery holes found in the found in the front of the Southport Transit Centre. Picture: Charlton Hart

Mystery holes found in the found in the front of the Southport Transit Centre. Picture: Charlton Hart

Resident Garry Howard lives in a unit block directly opposite the Transit Centre and recalls hearing the reported shooting as it unfolded on Wednesday night.

”I was upstairs watching TV with the doors open and it was this pop, pop, pop, pop,” Mr Howard said.

“It was definitely four of them – I’m certain of that. By the time I got up and looked outside there wasn’t anything there.

“It wasn’t till the next day all the police were in the street and looking around. They told me someone had driven past and shot at the building,” he said.

A Queensland Police Service (QPS) media unit spokesman said it had not been made aware of any drive-by shooting by investigators and there were no further details available at this time.

A police source within criminal investigations has confirmed the incident is being probed and detectives will examine previous dealings between staff at the TMR office and members of the public for a potential motive.

It is suspected to be a targeted attack according to sources - and police don’t believe there is a threat to the wider community.

TMR had not responded to Bulletin questions by deadline.

Originally published as ‘Drive-by shooting’ at Southport government building, mystery holes, police unaware