A critically injured woman who was shot in the back is on life support surrounded by loved ones while the suspected gunman remains on the run.
Linley Anyos, 33, was sitting in a blue Volkswagen Jetta outside a home on Trees Road in Tallebudgera, on the Gold Coast, when she was shot about 12pm on Wednesday.
Police believe the gunshot was fired from the back seat of the car.
Detectives have not ruled out the possibility the shooting was an accident and are searching for a man, believed to be known to Ms Anyos, who was at the property but left before emergency services arrived.
The relationship between the suspected gunman and Ms Anyos is unclear.
Ms Anyos was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, where she remained on Thursday.
It’s understood she is on life support in the ICU with her family by her bedside, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
Police and forensic officers remained at the crime scene on Thursday.
Linley Anyos (pictured) was shot outside a home on Trees Road in Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast about 12pm on Wednesday
Dozens of people attended the home (pictured) Wednesday morning after free furniture was advertised on Facebook Marketplace
Ms Anyos (pictured) remained on life support in a critical condition at Gold Coast University Hospital on Thursday
No arrests or charges have been laid and the firearm used is yet to be located by police.
It’s understood Ms Anyos was among a group of people helping someone move out of the home at the time.
‘My understanding is the car’s been parked in the same location for a couple of hours,’ Detective Inspector Mark Mooney told reporters on Wednesday.
‘We’ve engaged the homicide squad because the victim’s injuries are critical and we don’t know at this point in time whether she will survive or not.’
Prior to the shooting, dozens of people had attended the home to pick up free furniture advertised on Facebook Marketplace.
At least 10 people assisted police with their inquiries on Wednesday.
‘Everyone’s been very compliant this point in time,’ Detective Inspector Mooney said.
‘There are eight to 10 people that have gone back to one of our stations to provide statements.
‘We’re also chasing people that were here prior to that, people that may have seen something or heard something or spoke to certain individuals while they were here, or had video or CCTV cameras.’
It’s understood another person was inside the Volkswagen Jetta at the time of the shooting.
Officers are searching for a man, believed to be known to Linley Anyos (pictured), who left before emergency services arrived
Detectives (pictured at the scene have not ruled out the possibility the shooting was an accident
‘Our forensic examination of the vehicle is still to be conducted,’ Inspector Mooney said.
‘It would appear that the victim has been sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle and has been shot through the seat.
‘My understanding is the car’s been parked in the same location for a couple of hours.
‘She arrived on scene with a couple of our witnesses who were assisting (people) move out.’
Police urged any witnesses who left the scene prior to officers’ arrival to come forward.
‘We’d like to speak to anyone that was present to give us any information that we don’t yet have,’ Inspector Mooney said.
‘It’s going to be a complex investigation.’
He stressed there was no ongoing threat to the public.
‘I don’t think there’s any need to alarm the community with this. At this point in time the exact occurrence of what’s happened (is) unknown to us. We obviously recommend that our community stay vigilant,’ Inspector Mooney said.
Neighbours were shocked to return home to find their street cordoned off by police.
‘The police that turned up basically wrapped around … the residents as we turned up so we didn’t see much,’ one resident told Nine News.
No arrests or charges have been laid and the firearm used is yet to be located by police
Police urged any witnesses who left the scene prior to officers’ arrival to come forward
The incident also sent shockwaves through the community.
‘A police van came screaming past us. Scared the beejesus [sic] out of all of us,’ a local posted online.
Another added: ‘It doesn’t sound good at all.’
Anyone with information, CTTV/dashcam footage or who visited the property in recent days is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.