Craig Allan Saunders arrested in Buderim after threat reports, police allegedly find illegal haul

Officers have been forced to draw their weapons on a man wanted on serious charges after police allege he was armed and making threats. WATCH THE VIDEO

A man wanted on serious charges has allegedly been found with meth and a firearm during a dramatic arrest in a leafy Sunshine Coast suburb.

In a statement, police alleged they received reports of Craig Allan Saunders, a 37-year-old Loganlea man who was already wanted over other matters, being armed and making threats near a King St address.

A few minutes after police arrived, Saunders tried to leave the address in a nearby vehicle but was intercepted on foot and arrested.

Dramatic bodycam footage of Saunders’ arrest show police drawing their guns on the man before being taken to the ground.

Footage was released by police at the weekend of Saunders’ arrest in Buderim. Picture: QPS

During a search of the man’s bag, police allegedly found a homemade firearm, a taser, a meat cleaver, and several other items. Police allege a large amount of meth was also uncovered.

The 37-year-old Loganlea man was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, one count of possession of a knife in a public place, possessing dangerous drugs, failing to take reasonable care of a syringe, and lacking authority required to possess explosives.

Saunders’ case was mentioned in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, where it can be revealed the Loganlea man faces an additional 12 charges.

He faces several charges. Picture: QPS

These include deprivation of liberty, assault while armed in company, enter dwelling with intent, armed robbery, torture, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and five counts of breaching bail.

Solicitor Luke Bull appeared as a friend of the court for the 37-year-old who said he could not be represented by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service due to a conflict of interest.

Mr Bull said a private law firm in Maroochydore was going to take a Legal Aid application from the man and asked for a lengthy adjournment for this to be processed.

The court was told some of the charges would need to be dealt with in the higher court.

Saunders’ matters will return to court on August 18. He was remanded in custody with no application for bail.

Originally published as Craig Allan Saunders arrested in Buderim after threat reports, police allegedly find illegal haul