Drive-by shooting at Loganholme pub leaves four injured, police hunt suspects

Consensus Summary

A drive-by shooting at Fitzy’s Hotel on Bryants Road in Loganholme left four people injured around 8.15pm on Saturday night, as a crowd gathered outside the pub during a boxing event intermission. The 19-year-old woman from Jimboomba was critically wounded with gunshot injuries to her neck and head, while three men aged 38, 37, and 27 suffered abdominal wounds, with the 38-year-old also shot in the arm. Police confirmed the shooters, two men wearing balaclavas and gloves, fired from a Mitsubishi vehicle before fleeing the scene. The car was later found burnt out on Maloney Road in Waterford West, about 15 minutes south of the pub, with CCTV showing the suspects being picked up by a second vehicle, possibly injuring one of them in the process. A second vehicle, a ute, was also set alight later that night, though its connection to the shooting remains under investigation.

The shooting occurred during a boxing event, which the pub had last hosted in 2024, and was advertised online in the weeks leading up to the incident. Witnesses described the chaos as families and children were present, with one judge nearly walking into the firing line. Police described the attack as 'horrific' and 'unacceptable,' emphasizing the randomness of the violence, particularly targeting an innocent bystander. The 19-year-old woman remains in critical condition at Princess Alexandra Hospital, while the three men are in serious but stable conditions after emergency surgery. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects, though they are appealing for community assistance to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Police and local officials, including Logan Mayor Jon Raven, condemned the attack as a 'cowardly act' that defied the community’s spirit. Raven expressed shock, noting this was the first such incident in Logan’s history, and urged the community to support the victims and their families. Detective Inspector Ian Galpin, leading the investigation, stated that the young woman was an 'innocent bystander' and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. He also hinted at possible pre-planning, though it was too early to speculate on gang or organized crime involvement. The investigation is ongoing, with homicide detectives assisting and no arrests made at this stage.

While all sources agree on the core details of the shooting, discrepancies arise in the timing of events. 7NEWS and THEWEST emphasize the shooting occurred at 8.15pm, while ABC notes it happened 'at about 8pm,' though THEWEST also specifies the Mitsubishi was set alight at 8:35pm. Additionally, 7NEWS describes the three men as 'in serious condition,' whereas ABC states they are 'in stable condition after surgery.' These differences, however, do not alter the overall narrative of a violent, unprovoked attack that has left the community in shock. The investigation remains focused on identifying the suspects and understanding the motive behind the shooting.

As of the latest reports, police have not made any arrests and continue to urge the public to provide any information or footage that could assist their inquiry. The community is rallying around the victims, with calls for unity and support for those affected by the tragedy. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, though the investigation is expected to continue with the involvement of specialized units, including ballistics experts. The case has drawn significant attention, underscoring the need for swift action to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further violence in the region.