Windaroo shop fire: Coomera man charged with arson over destroyed shopping centre

An alleged member of the Gold Coast chapter of the Finks bikie gang has been charged with arson over a barber shop blaze.

AN ALLEGED member of the Gold Coast chapter of the Finks bikie gang has been charged with arson over a barbershop blaze.

Detectives from Logan Criminal Investigation Branch charged Tayne Clarkson, 22, with arson on New Year’s Eve after a six-month investigation.

Emergency services were called to the fire at the Black Canvas Barbershop, which is allegedly linked to the Mongols, on Carl Heck Boulevard, Windaroo, just after 10.30pm on June 5, 2021. Seven crews battled the blaze, which ripped through the shopping complex damaging multiple businesses.

Police allege Clarkson is a member of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

Detective Acting Superintendent Chris Ahearn said police would allege the man forced his way into the barbershop – with two others – and set it alight using an accelerant.

“That fire has subsequently caused significant damage to that shopping centre,” he said.

“Our investigation at this stage points to all three persons entering the premise and then the fire starting from there, so we believe they’re all involved.”

The two further suspects remain on the run.

Supt Ahearn said it was a difficult investigation because of alleged links to bikie gangs, but a committed team of detectives from Logan CIB and Taskforce Maxima had been examining the matter since June, 2021.

“ … our investigations are ongoing as to the motive, our mind is always open to the suggestion of other OMCG identities being involved,” he said.

Tayne Clarkson, 22. Picture: Facebook

Alleged Mongols bikie Harley Barbaro has previously been linked to the shop and was pictured at its opening in 2020.

Taskforce Maxima detectives charged Barbaro with breaching bail for a consorting charge for attending the opening.

His legal team said at the time he worked for the Black Canvas Barbershop in Brisbane’s Carina, and attended the opening as an employee.

It is not suggested that Mr Barbaro has engaged in any wrongdoing in connection to the fire. Clarkson has been remanded in custody and the matter will next be mentioned in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

His solicitor, Chris Hannay, of Hannay Lawyers, said his client was expected to apply for bail.

He’s expected to defend the matter.

“It’s a fairly circumstantial case at best,” Mr Hannay said when contacted by the Bulletin.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Police and firefighters at the scene of a fire at Windaroo. Pic Peter Wallis