‘Dangerous and irrational’ man reportedly sets a house on fire and fires a semi-automatic rifle in a terrifying crime spree – as police launch a manhunt
- Mitchell James Wilson wanted by the police
- He would have burned down a house
A man is on the run after allegedly firing a gun and setting fire to a house, with police warning the public not to approach him as he may be “armed and dangerous.”
Mitchell James Wilson, 27, who is also an accused drug trafficker, allegedly threatened several people with a semi-automatic firearm in three separate incidents in Brisbane on Thursday.
Queensland Police Detective Andrew Massingham released photos and footage on Sunday as police desperately search for the man’s whereabouts.
“I consider this man armed, dangerous, irrational, but extremely unpredictable,” he said.
Queensland Police allege 27-year-old Mitchell Wilson threatened several people with a firearm during three separate incidents in Brisbane on Thursday. They also claim that he burned down a house
Det Supt Massingham said CCTV of the incident was disturbing and appeared to show two men in a ‘life or death’ battle over the gun
Mr Wilson is believed to have shot a gun into the ground at 2.45pm on Thursday during an altercation with a man he knew at a business in Brendale, north Brisbane.
Det Supt Massingham said CCTV of the incident was disturbing and appeared to show two men in a ‘life or death’ battle over the gun.
“That no one was shot during that incident is a big surprise to me,” he said.
Police discovered shortly afterwards that Mr Wilson’s ankle guard bracelet had been left behind in Bracken Ridge, also north Brisbane.
He wore the device as part of his bail conditions in connection with alleged drug trafficking offenses, police said.
Mr Wilson then allegedly ordered a woman to get into his gray Audi after driving to a business in Mount Gravatt, south of Brisbane, later that evening at 8.55pm.
Police said he approached two women, both known to him, as they left the building before ordering one of them to come with him.
‘She refused. He then returned to the vehicle, grabbed the firearm and threatened both women with that firearm,” Detective Massingham said.
“Fearing for their lives, both women fled on foot, hiding in nearby bushes.”
Mr Wilson is said to have subsequently fired his gun as the pair fled. Neither woman was injured.
Mr Wilson was later reported to have arrived at a house in Sunnybank, south of Brisbane, with a gun and a jerry can of fuel.
Police allege he threatened a resident before setting the house on fire and fleeing at 9:15 p.m.
“That no one was shot during that incident is a big surprise to me,” said Detective Massingham.
Police further allege that he was at Sunnybank’s house looking for one of the women from the Mount Gravatt incident.
The house was destroyed and a pet was killed in the fire. No persons were injured.
Extensive searches have failed to find Mr Wilson and police are urging him to surrender.
“I urge Mr. Wilson, if he hears my message today, to contact the police and negotiate his surrender safely,” Det Supt said.
He is described as white, about 6 feet 8 inches (185 cm) tall, of sturdy build, with light brown hair and hazel eyes.
He is believed to be armed and should not be approached. Anyone who sees him should call triple zero.