Alleged gunman on the run as emergency declaration cancelled

Police have named the alleged gunman behind an emergency declaration that sent a school and large area of a Gold Coast suburb into lockdown for hours, who remains on the run.

Police have named the alleged gunman behind an emergency declaration that sent Ormeau State School and part of the surrounding Gold Coast suburb into lockdown for four hours.

Officers were still searching for Mark Lutgenau, 37, at 6.30pm after an emergency declaration was revoked.

The emergency declaration had been made 11.50am under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) due to the ongoing incident but at 3.50pm that declaration was revoked, despite the man not being located.

Police are trying to locate Mark Lutgenau. Picture: Queensland Police Service

“Investigations suggest Mark may be armed with a firearm, however there is no known specific threat against members of the community,” a police statement issued at 6.10pm said.

The drama began when officers were alerted to an alleged domestic violence incident overnight.

The man allegedly fled after an incident at a Gannon Way address in Upper Coomera.

Acting Inspector Kevin Gant had earlier asked the alleged gunman to give himself up.

“Speak to police and assist us,” he said.

“We want a peaceful resolution for his own personal safety and the safety of the public.”

Police at the scene of a lockdown at Pimpama on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nine News.

Ormeau residents and business owners are asked to be vigilant of any suspicious activity or unknown people in the area and immediately contact police.

Mr Lutgenau is described as Caucasian, around 190cm tall and of a proportionate build. He has short brown hair and hazel eyes.

Highly trained armed officers from the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) and the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) joined the hunt for the man on Tuesday, driving through dense bushland on the northern end of the Gold Coast.

Police commandeered the Ormeau Station Shopping Centre as a command post for the manhunt and local residents stranded by police roadblocks were forced to sit it out on the roadside or in the nearby Ormeau train station carpark.

Locals in the area were reportedly told by police a man was believed to be armed with a gun, while police cars blocked the entry to some Pimpama streets.

Police man a roadblock at the boundary of the emergency declaration area. Picture: Greg Stolz

Boundaries were put in place for four hours in the area north from Mirambeena Drive into Wharf Rd intersection with Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, east from Pimpama Jacobs Well Road to Hotham Creek, south from creek line of Hotham Creek to Creek Street and west from Creek Street to Mirambeena Drive.

Polair, the dog squad and a large number of police were also involved in the manhunt.

Residents stranded on the roadside at Ormeau as police manhunt continues. Picture: Greg Stolz

Police were required to escort children from Ormeau State School as panicked parents said they were ‘freaking out’, having taken to the school’s Facebook page to express concerns and ask if they can pick up their children.

Ormeau State School deputy principal Ben Manthey and police checked inside parents’ cars one by one so they could collect their children.

One mum said she was relieved to be picking up her two kids from the school.

“It’s been a bit tense,” she said.

“I’ve been worried a bit but I’m sure the school’s got it in hand.”

Ormeau State School was in lockdown amid reports of an armed man in the area. Picture: Channel 9

Earlier in the day, Ormeau State School took to Facebook to alert parents and ensure all children were safe.

“Please be advised children are safe, have had their lunch and are working in their rooms. Our SMS carrier had some delay in sending the messages and we have now sent it twice as well as an email,” its message said.

A SERT vehicle prepares to enter Guara Grove at Ormeau. Picture: Greg Stolz

“We will keep you updated to the best of our knowledge – no updates at this time.

PLEASE DO NOT phone the school – we are focusing on your child’s safety.”

Earlier this morning, the Principal, Kimberley Button, posted to the page stating police had told the school the activity related to the search for a missing man.

“Please be advised that I have just been in contact with the Coomera Police Station and the activity around our school is due to police looking for a missing person,” the post from about 9.30am stated.

Ormeau State School during the lockdown.

Parents with children at Ormeau State School expressed anxiety and frustration at the lack of detailed information.

“It’s strange I feel like I know he is safe at school, as they have practiced lockdowns last year but my heart is still in my throat waiting for each update,” mother Aemelia Smith said.

“I’m waiting as patiently as I can so I can go pick him up.”

Police speak to an Ormeau State School official. Picture: Greg Stolz

One stranded resident, Deidre Hastings, said her 17-year-old son had sent her a message to say that his school, the Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS) had declared a ‘code red’ but an official said the facility was not in lockdown.

“It’s a pain (the police roadblock) but it’s their job,” she said.

“They’ve got to do what they’ve got to do. We have to wait.

“I’m not concerned about the school. They have good procedures in place.”

Originally published as Alleged gunman on the run as emergency declaration cancelled