Man found hiding underwater after fatal park shooting

An alleged gunman was found hiding in an underwater pond after a deadly shooting at a suburban park sparked a manhunt.

Police said the dramatic arrest came after a man was fatally shot in the chest in Beenleigh, south of Brisbane.

Emergency services were called to Hugh Muntz Park at around 10.40pm on Tuesday following reports that a man had been shot.

The 35-year-old man was found shot in the chest.

Acting Detective Constable Paul Fletcher said despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police launched a search for a stolen white Kia Stonic sedan seen in the area at the time of the shooting and tracked the vehicle to the northern Gold Coast at around 1.30am.

“Following a short pursuit a successful tire deflation device was applied to this vehicle which resulted in the vehicle coming to a stop in the Hope Island area,” Det Fletcher told reporters on Wednesday.

The driver fled into woodland and dog squad officers combed the area before arresting a 22-year-old Beenleigh man who was found “hiding underwater in reeds” near Saltwater Park.

Police said a firearm was found nearby and the ammunition was in the man’s possession.

Det Fletcher said: “I would like to commend the police for acting bravely and quickly to bring this matter under control in a very short time.” he said.

“I also appreciate the dog team officers who searched for an armed attacker in the woods at night and detained that person.

Police located a second crime scene in the vehicle.

Det Fletcher said police were working to establish whether the two men knew each other.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact police.