Wade Patrick Kavanagh: Coolangatta man charged after alleged armed robbery on Gold Coast

A man accused of stealing several vehicles while armed with a weapon – sparking a Polair and dog squad chase – has undergone surgery after his wild arrest. FIND OUT WHY

A man has been charged after an alleged brazen armed robbery on the Gold Coast.

An alleged gunman arrested after a four-hour police chase on the Gold Coast – involving Polair and the dog squad – is in hospital after undergoing surgery for a dog bite.

Wade Patrick Kavanagh, 26, was due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday for the first time since his arrest.

He was charged with several offences including armed robbery, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and dangerous conduct with a weapon after the wild pursuit on Saturday night.

It is alleged Mr Kavanagh - armed with what appeared to be a handgun - stole a Ford Ranger ute from a home on Orana Pde at Southport about 5.30pm, then headed south towards Currumbin Valley.

A police helicopter monitored the vehicle for two hours – using a tracking device installed inside it – before it pulled up beside a motorbike.

Mr Kavanagh allegedly threatened its rider with the weapon and fled the scene on the motorbike.

Police allege the Coolangatta man lost control of the motorbike a short distance away, crashing it and then trying to flee on foot through a shopping centre carpark.

He was allegedly tracked down by the police dog squad on nearby private property.

Mr Kavanagh has been held in custody since his arrest.

Prosecutor Chris Freeman said the accused was unable to front court on Monday morning as he was still in hospital after undergoing surgery for a dog bite.

Mr Kavanagh’s case was adjourned to Tuesday. He is required to appear in person if able and remains remanded in custody.