What’s happening?
Police have expanded their investigation into shooting incidents reported in Andergrove and Shoal Point. Searches across Mackay have since led to arrests, weapons charges and drug-related allegations.
The Andergrove investigation now involves several accused people and multiple court dates. Police are also continuing inquiries into the separate Shoal Point shooting.
Queensland Police Services released its first report on July 10 at 12.02 pm. An updated statement was published on July 15 at 3.20 pm.
Why it matters?
Police allege several shots were fired at an unoccupied vehicle outside an Andergrove Road licensed premises. No one was inside the vehicle during the alleged shooting.
A separate residence on Denman Avenue in Shoal Point was also targeted later that morning. The occupants were not physically injured, but the alleged offender remains unknown.
The wider investigation has also led to allegations involving stolen firearms, weapons trafficking, dangerous drugs and other related offences.
Local Impact
The police response has involved searches in Bucasia, East Mackay, Beaconsfield and North Mackay. Several accused people have been remanded, while others received notices to appear.
Court proceedings will continue at Mackay Magistrates Court through September. Police are also seeking information or relevant vision connected with the Shoal Point shooting.
By the numbers
- Eight people have now been charged during investigations into the Mackay Northern Beaches shooting incidents.
- Seven stolen firearms were seized in Bucasia, including three pistols and four rifles.
- The Andergrove and Shoal Point reports were made 30 minutes apart, at 2.10am and 2.40am.
Zoom In
Police were called to an Andergrove Road licensed premises at about 2.10am on July 8. Officers allege four people drove to the premises and fired several shots at an unoccupied vehicle.
Police searched a Bucasia address on July 9 and seized seven stolen firearms. The weapons included three pistols and four rifles.
Police said three men and one woman were initially charged in connection with the Andergrove incident.
A 25-year-old South Mackay man was charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs. He also faces one count each of possessing weapons and authority required to possess explosives.
A 26-year-old Beaconsfield man was charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs. The QPS report separately listed another count of possessing dangerous drugs.
His remaining charges include unlawful possession of weapons, possessing tainted property and authority required to possess explosives. He was also charged with contravening an order about information needed to access electronically stored information.
Both men were due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on July 10.
A 19-year-old North Mackay woman was charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs. The report separately listed another count of dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of weapons.
A 31-year-old North Mackay man was charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils. He also faces charges of unlawful possession of weapons, producing dangerous drugs and authority required to possess explosives.
Another charge involves possessing property suspected of being used in connection with a drug offence. Both North Mackay defendants are due before the Mackay Magistrates Court on July 27.
Police arrested a 23-year-old Bucasia man on July 11 over the alleged Andergrove shooting. Police allege he possessed and discharged a firearm at Andergrove on July 8.
He was charged with unlawful possession of weapons and reckless discharge of a weapon towards a building or vehicle. He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear on August 18.
Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch detectives searched an East Mackay address on July 14. They arrested a 31-year-old East Mackay man during the operation.
He was charged with unlawful trafficking in weapons and remanded in custody. He is due to reappear before Mackay Magistrates Court on July 16.
Later that day, officers searched a Beaconsfield address and charged a 44-year-old Beaconsfield man. His charges include possessing methylamphetamine, possessing utensils and unlawful possession of weapons.
He received a notice to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on September 8.
A 33-year-old Bucasia woman was charged with possessing methylamphetamine and possessing utensils. She received a notice to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on August 18.
On July 15, detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a North Mackay address. They arrested the previously charged 31-year-old North Mackay man.
He was further charged with unlawful trafficking in weapons and contravene direction. He is due before Mackay Magistrates Court on July 16.
Zoom Out
The separate Shoal Point incident was reported at about 2.40am on July 8. Residents reported gunshots being fired at a Denman Avenue address.
Police patrolled the area but could not locate the unknown offender. A crime scene was declared at the property shortly afterwards.
The occupants were not physically injured. Police continue to investigate and have asked anyone with information or relevant vision to contact them.
What To Look For Next?
Court appearances are listed for July 16, July 27, August 18 and September 8. Proceedings will also continue for those remanded in custody.
Police will continue examining the Shoal Point shooting. Information or footage from residents could help identify the unknown offender.
