Surfers Paradise Business Targeted in Violent Arson Attack

Queensland Police allege that around 6:25PM, a 41-year-old Surfers Paradise man entered a business on Surfers Paradise Boulevard and assaulted a female employee.

The man, allegedly armed with a gel blaster, reportedly demanded money from the woman and her 68-year-old male friend before fleeing the scene on foot.

Shortly after, the man is alleged to have returned to the business, where an altercation occurred between him and the 68-year-old male victim. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his face and neck during the incident.

Police allege that the offender then set fire to the business’s foyer before fleeing once again on foot.

Officers located the 41-year-old man at a Cavill Avenue address shortly after and took him into custody.

He has been charged with:

• Two counts of attempted robbery using violence while armed
• One count of arson
• One count of serious assault of a person over 60
• One count of entering premises with intent to commit an indictable offence
• One count of obstructing a police officer

The man is scheduled to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court today.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for community vigilance and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. The Gold Coast Torch will continue to provide updates as this case unfolds.