By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Suspect Arrested After Fatal Shooting of Woman in Mackay
Authorities have apprehended a suspect following the fatal shooting of a woman in a car in front of two children in Mackay, Queensland. The incident left a 66 year old man in serious but stable condition after being shot in the chest while checking on the woman. He remains hospitalized at Mackay Base Hospital.
The shooting occurred at approximately 4:30 PM on Robb Place in South Mackay. According to District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine, the 34 year old woman drove to the location where she was approached by a 31 year old man from South Mackay, who allegedly fired a gun into her vehicle, fatally wounding her. Two children, believed to be young teenagers, were in the vehicle at the time and quickly sought refuge in a nearby home.
Superintendent Paine described the incident as "an absolutely shocking thing to have experienced" and "an absolutely tragic situation." He noted that all involved parties resided in close proximity to one another in South Mackay but did not provide further details on their relationships.
In response to the shooting, police cordoned off several streets for hours while searching for the gunman. The suspect was later spotted in a vehicle in nearby Paget and was apprehended around 7:45 PM outside a fast food restaurant on the Bruce Highway, near Hinton Street. Superintendent Paine confirmed the suspect’s arrest and assured the public there was no ongoing threat.
Investigators have not yet identified a motive for the shooting, and there is currently no indication of a domestic dispute. The investigation remains in its early stages. An exclusion zone was established, encompassing Robb Place, Paradise Street, Archibald Street, Kindermar Street, and Denton Street. Residents within the zone were advised to stay indoors, and traffic diversions were implemented. The declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act was revoked around 11 PM.
The 66 year old man is being treated for a gunshot wound to the sternum at Mackay Base Hospital. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and gather details.