Man allegedly doused in petrol survives dark turn of events

A 23-year-old man involved in a dramatic car chase has escaped near death after he was allegedly doused in gasoline.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigations Branch said a 37-year-old man was arrested on January 15 in the Sunshine Coast area of Buderim.

A 23-year-old man allegedly jumped out of his car after witnessing a man ramming into another resident’s caxjmtzywr.

The young man was then approached by the 37-year-old, who doused petrol over his face and upper body, before holding up a lighter and attempting to ignite it.

The alleged victim wrestled the man for his life before fleeing the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigations Branch is in charge of the current investigation. Image credit: The Courier Mail.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigations Branch is in charge of the current investigation. The Courier Mail Credit: NCA NewsWire

Police allege a 37-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were leaving a property in King St when a 27-year-old woman exited a unit complex and threw a plate at their vehicle.

The pair allegedly rushed off, while another man got in his vehicle and allegedly pursed them, running red lights and ramming into their car multiple times.

The pair allegedly escaped after the man abandoned his pursuit.

As the alleged offender arrived back at his residence, he allegedly rammed a 35-year-old man’s car as he was reversing from his garage, before attempting to set a 23-year-old man on fire.

As the younger man left, a 27-year-old woman, who lived at the unit complex, allegedly dumped the abandoned vehicle.

Police took the woman into custody after finding her hiding in a bin.

The young woman was charged with multiple offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and wilful damage.

She is set to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on March 3.

The 37-year-old man was found yesterday afternoon on River Esplanade in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast following ongoing investigations.

The man was charged with grievous bodily harm, dangerous operation of a vehicle, endangering the safety of a person in a vehicle with intent, wilful damage, driving with a disqualified licence and breaching three counts of bail.

He is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court today (January 20).