Linley Anyos: Person of interest in Tallebudgera shooting arrested in Victoria

The main person of interest in a woman’s shooting has been arrested in a different state on unrelated weapons charges.

The 33-year-old went to a home in Tallebudgera on Queensland’s Gold Coast around midday on January 8 when she was shot in the back.

She was sitting in the passenger seat of a car and investigators suspect the gunshot came from inside the vehicle and went through the seat.

The woman was seriously injured in the stomach and remains in the Gold Coast University Hospital in a now stable condition.

She has been identified widely by media reports as Linley Anyos, whose father Brian Anyos confirmed his daughter was continuing her fight to recover.

“Linley one of the toughest people we all know and as such is fighting like a beast,” he said in a statement.

Detective Inspector Mark Mooney said she had undergone surgeries where multiple parts of her organs have been removed.

He said the main person of interest in the shooting has been arrested in Victoria for unrelated weapon offences.

Investigators travelled to Victoria to speak to the 49-year-old man last week but no arrest warrant or charges have been issued.

“We believe he will be under restraint for a couple of years down there,” Det Mooney told reporters on Monday.

A double-barrelled shotgun was found in bushland not far from the crime scene and is believed to have been discarded by the man, who is originally from Victoria but lives in Queensland.

Evidence indicates the man brought it to the Tallebudgera home, said Det Insp Mooney, with the weapon undergoing further forensic testing.

Police understand Ms Anyos and the man went to the Tallebudgera home together to remove property but she remained in the car and at some point was shot.

“We’re still trying to keep an open mind at how the shooting occurred,” he said.

“It could have been an accidental discharge of the firearm or it could also have been a deliberate discharge.”

Police are hoping to speak to Ms Anyos this week about what she recalls of the incident.

“However, due to the trauma that she’s endured, she may not have any recollection of the incident at all,” he said.

Queensland police intend to see the man’s Victoria charges go through the courts before deciding if an arrest warrant needs to be issued to extradite him.

Det Insp Mooney said it is a miracle Ms Anyos has survived such serious injuries.

“These injuries will be life altering. It will affect her for the rest of her life,” he said.

“She’ll have to ongoing treatment for those but it shows the courage and the strength of her that she’s been able to get through the injuries and come out the other side.”