Bikie associate hunted down, stabbed to death in brazen attack

A bikie associate ambushed by a group of men outside a Brisbane gym before being stabbed to death in the street was involved in a fight involving outlaw motorcycle gang associates a year ago.

A bikie associate was ambushed by a group of men outside a Brisbane gym before being stabbed to death in the street in front of shocked onlookers.

Police described the attack – which took place in full view of CCTV cameras – as “brazen” and “horrific”, saying Levi Johnson, 23, ran from his car after being confronted by five men.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said the attack unfolded in the carpark of the Goodlife gym at the intersection of Creek and Pine Mountain roads at Carindale about 1pm Monday.

Police at the scene near the Goodlife Health Club. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Superintendent Massingham said Mr Johnson was driving his white Mercedes through the carpark when a black Audi drove up behind.

“As the white Mercedes attempted to exit the carpark, it was rammed by what we believe to be a Nissan Patrol, white in colour with a silver bull bar,” Superintendent Massingham said.

“A number of males have then exited the Nissan and also the Audi. They were five in total, five males. They have approached the victim in the driver’s seat. They have then used a crowbar to smash the driver’s window.”

The Courier-Mail understands Mr Johnson is known to the Comancheros, but is not a patched member. He was one of two men stabbed a year ago on the Gold Coast during a fight involving outlaw motorcycle gang associates.

It is not known whether the two incidents are connected.

Emergency services at the scene. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Superintendent Massingham said after the window was smashed, the 23-year-old fled through the passenger side and ran across the road, with two of the men in pursuit.

“One of the males has then confronted him up at the intersection ... and has used a knife to stab him multiple times,” Superintendent Massingham said.

“That male then returned and entered the Nissan Patrol. The remaining male then attempted to start the black Audi, but was unable to start that vehicle.”

He said that man fled on foot up the hill, turning left into Flame Tree Crescent.

The other four fled in the Nissan Patrol.

Police who searched that street found two backpacks that had been dumped in ­separate bins.

A police dog was used in an attempt to track the man, but was unsuccessful.

However, at 4pm, police found a man hiding in bushland just a few hundreds ­metres from the scene of the stabbing. He was taken into custody, with police saying that they believed he was linked to the ambush.

Officers from multiple police divisions are investigating. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Superintendent Massingham said the men made no ­attempt to disguise themselves when carrying out the daytime attack.

“The footage I’ve seen, I did not see any of them disguised,” he said.

Superintendent Massingham said the CCTV footage was quite graphic and occurred “probably in less than five seconds”, but off-duty medical professionals attempted to help the victim.

“There were also police who arrived on scene who performed CPR, but it was quite evident very early on that his injuries were significant,” he said.

He appealed for anyone who was on Creek Rd, Pine Mountain Rd, or near the backstreets, to come forward.

“We believe there are a number of people that witnessed this tragic event, so people that may have witnessed it or who have dashcam, we ask them to come forward,” he said.

“The motive at this stage is unknown,” he said.

“These males were extremely motivated to hunt this individual down. This incident was fully captured on CCTV. I have viewed that CCTV and it is confronting and horrific.”

Police searched the area for several hours after the stabbing. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Superintendent Massingham said it was unclear if there was planning involved or whether there was an incident that escalated.

He said detectives from the bikie busting Taskforce ­Maxima were involved in the investigation.

A neighbour living on the corner of Brigadoon St said she first learnt of the incident when she looked out her window and saw a body lying on the footpath opposite.

“I was shocked, it’s not something I’ve ever seen before,” the resident said.

“This is a family neighbourhood and we don’t ever have things like this happen, I was really shocked to see that,” she said.

One witness, who helped administer first-aid, said he initially thought the man had been hit by a car.

“I only stopped to assist others to help as I thought he got hit by a car,” he said.

The man said the victim had no pulse and he and several others helped hold the wounds closed.

He said they used a defibrillator and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Originally published as Bikie associate hunted down, stabbed to death in brazen attack