Man allegedly runs through Gold Coast mall armed with gel blaster, sets business alight

Police have charged a man following a terrifying ordeal in a major Gold Coast mall during which he allegedly set fire to a business and assaulted a bystander while armed with a gel blaster.

Emergency crews at the scene at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Facebook/Rhys Bko

Police have charged a man following a terrifying ordeal in a Gold Coast mall where he allegedly set fire to a business and assaulted a bystander.

It will be alleged around 6.25pm, a 41-year-old Surfers Paradise man attended a business on Surfers Paradise Boulevard where he assaulted a female employee.

The man, allegedly armed with a gel blaster, then demanded money from the woman and her 68-year-old male friend, before leaving the scene on foot.

Emergency crews at the scene at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Facebook/Rhys Bko

A short time later, the man is alleged to have returned to the business and a fight has broken out between him and a 68-year-old male.

The 68-year-old sustained non life-threatening injuries to his face and neck.

Police allege the man then set fire to the foyer of the business, before leaving the scene on foot.

Cavill and Orchid avenues were closed for a short time while emergency services responded to the incident, but reopened by 7.45pm.

A 41-year-old Surfers Paradise man was located by police a short time later at a Cavil Avenue address and taken into custody.

He has been charged with two counts of attempted robbery use violence armed and one count each of arson, serious assault person over 60, enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence and obstruct police officer.

He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court today.

Originally published as Man allegedly runs through Gold Coast mall armed with gel blaster, sets business alight