Man armed with ‘compound bow and edged weapons’ barricaded in Qld apartment block for 3 days

A man armed with a “compound bow and edged weapons” has been barricaded inside an apartment for more than three days, with cops surrounding the building.

A man armed with a “compound bow and edged weapons” has barricaded himself inside a Queensland apartment for three days and even shot down a drone as he refused to negotiate with police.

Police say the 44-year-old man has refused to leave a two-storey complex in Jubilee Pocket, in the Whitsunday region, since 11.45am on Thursday.

It is understood he made threats that triggered a police response that saw 30 officers — some heavily armed — descend on the building.

Police say the man shot down a police drone using a bow. Picture: Channel Seven

Police evacuated the apartment block and directed surrounding residents to leave the area.

It is understood police then smashed holes in the unit windows, intending to fly a drone in to communicate with the man.

The man didn’t take kindly to the act.
Acting Inspector Anthony Cowan told Channel Seven that the man took out the police drone at close range using his compound bow.

“Police can confirm that the occupant has barricaded himself inside and is armed with a compound bow and edged weapons,” Queensland Police said in a statement on Saturday — more than three days after the siege began.

“There are no other persons present within the unit, and there are no firearms or other weapons involved.”

A compound bow is a bow that uses a levering system, usually of cables and pulleys, to bend the limbs. They provide more accuracy and power from a greater distance than an ordinary crossbow.

An exclusion zone was put in place about 4pm Thursday, with nearby homes evacuated as police negotiations continued.

Residents being evactuated. Picture: Channel Seven

Local police told the Courier Mailthere was no threat to the community — but two streets remain blocked off.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors as a precaution.

“Police wish to thank the residents of Erromango Street and Jubilee Pocket for their patience and understanding while this matter is ongoing,” police said in a statement.

“Officers will continue to negotiate with the intent to resolve this matter peacefully and without harm to any persons, including the man and officers.”

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