Woman shot dead in Mackay in front of children
A 34-year-old woman has been fatally shot through the window of a car in Mackay on Wednesday afternoon, in front of her teen children who had to flee for help.
The man also allegedly shot a 66-year-old man who came to her aid before fleeing the scene.
The woman died from her injuries, while the 66-year-old was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition after he was shot in the sternum area, according to police.
Her death caused an emergency declaration that shut down parts of South Mackay as police searched for the alleged shooter.
“The children were young teenagers... it’s an absolutely shocking thing to have experienced,” District Superintendent Graeme Paine said.
“They were very fearful... It’s an absolutely tragic situation.”
The suspect was arrested at 7:45pm outside a Bruce Highway business, about 2km away and is assisting authorities with their investigation.
Police said that there was no indication that the man and woman knew each other, but it is understood that they “reside in fairly close proximity”.
“I don’t have any details at this stage in relation to any sort of motive or reasons behind what’s occurred,” the District Superintendent said.
The emergency declaration has since been revoked, with police saying that they have contained the situation.
No charges have yet been laid.
Image: 7News