Bundaberg: Pedestrian dead after alleged metal pole beating, others in hospital after violent rampage
One of the victims was a 78-year-old man walking his dog, who was allegedly beaten to death with a metal pole.
A 78-year-old man has died and several others have been injured following an alleged violent rampage across Queensland’s Bundaberg region involving car crashes and brutal assaults.
Police allege the chaos began about 1.45pm in Glenorchy when a 36-year-old man deliberately reversed his silver Subaru Liberty into a Tesla on the Bruce Highway before verbally abusing the driver and speeding away.
The alleged spree escalated moments later in nearby Childers, where the man is accused of reversing into a Mitsubishi Pajero.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.When the 65-year-old driver got out to inspect the damage, police allege the Subaru driver reversed into him, climbed from the vehicle and repeatedly punched him in the head before fleeing the scene.
The 65-year-old suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to hospital.
A 78-year-old man was later fatally attacked with a metal pole during the alleged rampage, with police investigating the series of violent incidents that unfolded across the region.
At 2.38pm, the Subaru driver stopped again and allegedly attacked a 78-year-old man walking his dog along Whitebridge Road in North Isis.
The driver allegedly punched the older man in the head before hitting him with a metal pole and fleeing the scene again.
The 78-year-old suffered critical injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
At 2.53pm, the 36-year-old then allegedly assaulted another person, a 66-year-old man, in Childers before members of the public stepped in to help and restrain him.
The 66-year-old was taken to hospital with neck injuries.
The Subaru driver was arrested soon after and remains in custody.
He was charged with one count each of murder, attempt to murder, acts intended to maim/disfigure/disable, dangerous operation of a vehicle and evasion.
“The victims in all these matters are not believed to be known to the 36-year-old man,” QLD Police said in a statement.
The 78-year-old victim has been remembered by a close family friend as a well-liked local who was always quick to wave to neighbours.
“He was a very nice guy, very friendly and outgoing,” he told the Courier Mail.
“He was always walking his dog, taking him out for daily walks. He was friendly every time we drove past, he’d always wave at us. It’s sad what has happened.”
The friend added that the elderly man “walked down that street pretty much every single day”.
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with further information or relevant footage is urged to contact police.
