Man arrested after Gold Coast police make emergency declaration under Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) at Ashmore
A man has been arrested with a replica gun after an emergency situation shut down a Gold Coast suburb for almost ten hours. SEE THE PICTURES >>>
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested after a nine-hour siege shut down multiple Ashmore streets on Tuesday morning.
Police took the man, who was armed with a replica gun inside a Dominions Road jewellery store, into custody.
An emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act has been revoked.
Armed negotiators spent eight hours speaking with the man, who is understood to be connected to the store where he was arrested.
MORE NEWS
Coast restaurants fined for food safety breaches
Hair-raising crimes of Gold Coast hairdressers
Major revamp to plans for Gold Coast Costco store
The jewellery store is co-located with other businesses inside Dominion House, within the Ashmore industrial precinct.
Inspector Greg Baade said the man did not have anyone else inside the store with him and did not make any threats to police or other people.
“We were obviously concerned for his well-being and that was our focus, his well-being and the public,” Inspector Baade said.
“He was very forthcoming, he engaged with the negotiators very well and in the end we had a plan, he complied with that plan and he walked out the front door.”
The 32-year-old was taken into police custody after he walked outside the jewellery store.
He has been taken to hospital for treatment.
Police received a call from the man at a business on Dominions Rd about 1am, which sparked the emergency declaration.
“Police responded to that call and when they attended the premises they were confronted with a male person with what appeared to be a firearm,” Inspector Baade said.
“They retreated and we isolated and contained the premises and negotiated.”
Inspector Baade said the firearm was later understood to be a replica firearm.
Investigations are continuing.
EARLIER:
OWNERS of businesses inside a cordoned off Gold Coast area say they’re in the dark about why police have placed it under an “emergency declaration”.
Police have blocked off Ashmore streets and warned people to stay away due to an “incident” which has sparked an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act.
The PSPA declaration zone includes United Rd, Corporation Dr, Community Dr and Dominions Rd.
Business owners at the edge of the scene - some who have been there since 5am - told the Bulletin they are feeling confused and frustrated. Some have told staff to take the day off.
A police statement said: “Anyone within this area should remain indoors and await instruction.
“Others should avoid the area.”
One business - Gold Coast Shooters Supplies - has posted to Facebook that the incident has nothing to do with their shop: “We are currently closed as the area is closed off due to an issue close by that has nothing to do with us. We will re-open as soon as we can. Please email us if urgent on gcss@gcshooters.com.au.”
It’s understood the incident does not present a direct risk to the wider community at this time.
Officers were called to the area just before 1am and a statement about the PSPA was issued just before 4am on Tuesday.
Gold Coast police have been contacted for more information, which will be published as it becomes available.
Guardrite Security employee Gary Taylor arrived at work at 5.30am this morning to find police everywhere and roads taped off.
His boss told him to wait around for a little while and if nothing changes he could head home.
“That’s all we can do, sit and wait,” he said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Man arrested after Gold Coast police make emergency declaration under Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) at Ashmore
‘Saved me over $1000’: Simple trick to save thousands
Forget about how many shopping days until Christmas, it’s time to start saving for summer holidays … and it might not be as tough as you think
Read more
Gold Coast teacher accused of exposing himself to students
A high school teacher who was stood down after being charged with exposing himself to students remained silent on the allegations after facing court for the first time.
Read more