28-05-2025
Man, 25, arrested after accused of firing shots at occupied home, sparking emergency in Queensland town of Kingaroy
A man has sparked a major emergency in a small Queensland town after he allegedly shot at an occupied home in what police suspect to be a domestic violence incident.
Police were called to Kingaroy, some 220 kilometres west of the Sunshine Coast, to reports of gunshots fired at an Arthur Street property on Tuesday just before 4am.
A number of people inside at the time escaped safely before officers arrived.
Police in response launched a search for the gunman involving tactical officers from the Special Emergency Response Team and the PolAir chopper to scan from above.
Investigators took precautionary measures to protect the community, locking down Kingaroy Hospital while Saint Mary's Catholic College students did not attend school.
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Darling Downs District Officer Superintendent Doug McDonald said they identified the shooter "very early on".
The man was able to evade police for several hours but was arrested about 1.30pm.
When he was apprehended he was found with "a number of high-powered rifles" that were stolen some 24 hours earlier during a break and enter, police will allege.
At least one man and woman were inside the home at the time of the shooting.
Supt McDonald said it the incident may be domestic violence-related.
"That female person is safe and well and has received treatment and support from the police throughout this incident," he told reporters.
The gunman had first been sighted fleeing in a Suzuki, but he was caught later in a Subaru which police will allege was stolen while he was evading officers.
"So, we had been in touch with this particular person of interest attempting to get him to come into the police station peacefully and he's failed to undertake those instructions that we've given him to do that," Supt McDonald said.
No physical injuries have been reported in the incidents.
Supt McDonald would not weigh into the circumstances surrounding the man's possession of the firearms but stressed it can be "very dangerous" in the wrong hands.
"We treat it very seriously and whilst not making any suggestions as to insecure firearms in this instance, it is a reminder of the importance of people adequately securing their weapons," he said to a reporter who asked about locking up guns.
The 25-year-old from the South Burnett region - who police had hoped to speak to prior to the alleged shooting incident - was wanted "on a number of matters".
There is no ongoing threat to the community.
Police spent the day speaking to the man and the two occupants of the home.
Anyone with information or may have dash cam or CCTV footage is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at
