police Archives - Manly Today

Police Seek Witnesses After Chainsaw Incident on Lota Esplanade

Police are asking for the public’s help after a man was seen hanging out of a car window wielding a running chainsaw along the Esplanade between Lota and Manly on Monday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 5.50pm on 11 January when witnesses reported seeing a male passenger leaning out of the rear window of a white sedan, waving what appeared to be an orange and white chainsaw.

According to Queensland Police, the chainsaw was running and being revved loudly as the vehicle travelled erratically along the bayside road.

Officers are working to identify a white four-door vehicle, believed to resemble either a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai i30, though the exact make and model have not been confirmed.

Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured footage on dashcam or mobile phone. Police are hoping this information will help them identify the vehicle’s registration number, owner and occupants.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or submit details through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2600069304.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Published 13-January-2026

Elderly Cyclist Dies Following Tingalpa Intersection Crash

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A tragic crash at a busy Tingalpa intersection has claimed the life of an elderly cyclist, with police now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Wynnum Road and Murarrie Road around 6.10am on Saturday, 10 January, following reports of a crash between a vehicle and a cyclist.

The cyclist, an 83-year-old man from Balmoral, was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital where he sadly passed away shortly after arrival.

The driver of the vehicle involved, a Mitsubishi Triton, was a 50-year-old man from Murarrie who did not sustain any physical injuries in the incident.

Queensland Police Service’s Forensic Crash Unit has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during the time of the incident.

Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by phoning 131 444.

Those who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

When providing information, please quote reference number QP2600060012.

Published 11-January-2026

Man Charged Over Late-Night Fireworks at Lota Jetty

Photo Credit: myPolice Centenary

A 35-year-old man is set to appear in court later this month following community complaints about fireworks being set off at a Lota jetty in the early hours of a Saturday morning.

Queensland Police have charged a Kelvin Grove man after investigating reports of fireworks discharged at the waterfront location around 12.30am on 19 October.

According to police allegations, several people ignited a container of fireworks at the jetty before leaving the area via the Esplanade towards Cobar Street. Officers launched an investigation in response to concerns raised by local residents.

The investigation led police to execute a search warrant at a Bellevue Parade property on 9 November. During the search, officers allegedly discovered a box of fireworks along with cannabis plants and cannabis products.

The Kelvin Grove man has been charged with requiring authority to possess explosives, possessing dangerous drugs, and producing dangerous drugs. He is scheduled to face Wynnum Magistrates Court on 24 November.

Possessing and using fireworks without proper authorisation has been illegal in Queensland since 1972. The state maintains strict regulations on explosive materials, with only licensed professionals permitted to conduct authorised fireworks displays.

Police have indicated that their investigation remains active. Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward. Residents with CCTV or dashcam recordings from the area during the early morning hours of 19 October are encouraged to contact authorities.

Those with information can reach Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by phoning 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2502031229.

Published 17-November-2025

Manly West Man Faces Serious Drug Charges After Newstead Bust

Photo Credit: Australian Federal Police

A Manly West man is facing multiple serious drug charges after police uncovered a significant cache of illegal substances during a dramatic arrest in Newstead earlier this week.

The 50-year-old man appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday following his arrest, which was captured on video showing officers swarming and restraining him in a carpark while he was pushing a trolley.

According to police, the arrest was the culmination of an investigation by Taskforce Venator, a joint operation between federal and state police agencies targeting drug trafficking in Queensland.

During searches of a commercial property in Newstead, officers allegedly discovered approximately 20 kg of illegal drugs, including 15.9 kg of methamphetamine, 2.4 kg of cocaine, and 1.5 kg of heroin. The search also reportedly uncovered 200 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, fireworks, a small quantity of anabolic steroids, and drug packaging materials.

The Manly West resident has been charged with four counts of possessing dangerous drugs and single counts of drug trafficking, possessing items connected to criminal activity, possessing explosives, and contravening an order related to digital device information.

Australian Federal Police Detective Inspector Tim Puchala said the operation was crucial for public safety.

“The AFP is focused on preventing drugs entering the Australian community and causing widespread harm,” Inspector Puchala said. “Even in small amounts, drugs cause immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime.”

Queensland Police Service Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Leadbetter stated that Taskforce Venator had caused significant disruption to organised criminal syndicates and investigations would continue.

“The QPS works closely with the AFP and law enforcement partners in relentlessly pursuing criminal groups involved in serious and organised crime with the goal of eliminating the threat in Queensland,” Superintendent Leadbetter said.

Published 28-April-2025