Queensland police have charged a 36-year-old man with murder after he allegedly beat a 78-year-old pedestrian to death with a metal pole during a violent and random rampage that also injured two other men. The attacks occurred in the towns of Childers and North Isis, near Bundaberg, on Wednesday afternoon.
Details of the Alleged Crime Spree
The alleged spree began around 1:45 p.m. when the man deliberately reversed his silver Subaru Liberty sedan into a Tesla on the Bruce Highway in Glenorchy. He then verbally abused the driver before driving off. Shortly after, in Childers, he allegedly reversed into a Mitsubishi Pajero. The 65-year-old driver got out to inspect the damage, and police allege the Subaru driver reversed into him, got out, and punched him multiple times in the head before fleeing. The victim was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.
At 2:38 p.m., the driver stopped again on Whitebridge Road in North Isis, where he allegedly attacked a 78-year-old man walking along the road. He punched the elderly man in the head and then struck him with a metal pole before fleeing. The pedestrian sustained critical injuries and died at the scene. At 2:53 p.m., the man allegedly assaulted a 66-year-old man in Childers before members of the public intervened and restrained him. Officers arrested the suspect shortly thereafter. The 66-year-old was taken to hospital with neck injuries.
Police Statement and Charges
Queensland police stated that the victims are not believed to be known to the 36-year-old man, indicating the attacks were random. The man was charged on Thursday morning with one count each of murder, attempted murder, acts intended to maim/disfigure/disable, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and evasion. He was scheduled to appear at Gladstone Magistrates Court via video link on Thursday.
