Alleged shooter with handmade shotgun charged with attempted murder

A man who allegedly shot a resident with a handmade shotgun, after being disturbed while hiding under a house in Tallebudgera Valley, has been charged with attempted murder.

Police had been called to a property at Tallebudgera Creek Road on the Gold Coast after reports of gunshots about midday on Thursday.

The 59-year-old victim reportedly found the alleged shooter under his house after hearing strange noises, and was shot in a scuffle.

The wanted man was found in nearby bushland with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators spent three days scouring the area, screening cars, and using a helicopter to search for the attacker.

Police arrested a 57-year-old man about 10.15am on Sunday during foot searches near the scene.

He was found injured in a shed in bushland, and was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital under police guard.

Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley said the man surrendered “peacefully without incident”, and his injuries resulted from the altercation on Thursday.

“A bush shed was searched, and the offender was located [inside],” Tuffley said.

“It appears that he’d taken up residences or occupied that shed … since the shooting on Thursday.”

The victim reportedly knew his attacker, but did not recognise him immediately because of his dishevelled appearance.

Tuffley said the victim was recovering well from the injuries to his head, face and shoulder, but medical staff were unsure when he would be able to return home.

Police believed the alleged shooter might have been living in a tent nearby for up to four years.

Detective Inspector Mark Mooney described the crime as an “attempted murder”.

“It was a homemade shotgun … they’re exactly the same as a normal gun. They have the same firing mechanism. And once the shotgun shell goes off, it has the same result.”

Police charged the man with four offences, including attempt to murder, and unlawful possession of a shotgun-category weapon.

He was expected to appear in court on Monday.

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