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Police launch manhunt after ex-bikie Shane Bowden found dead on Gold Coast

(video) — Police have launched a manhunt after the “execution” of a former bikie on the Gold Coast overnight.

Shane Bowden, 47, was shot multiple times in his car, in the driveway of his Pimpama home early on Monday morning.

Queensland Police said a burnt-out car was found nearby a short time later.

Two crime scenes have been set up – one at a unit complex on Cox St in Pimpama, the other where the car was found in Ormeau.

Shane Bowden was shot dead in a targeted attack.
Shane Bowden was shot dead in a targeted attack.

Speaking to the media on Monday morning, Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith said police were hunting “at least two men”.

“We believe the victim came home from the gym, he’s driven into the driveway, and the assailants have run in and shot him multiple times,” Supt Smith said.

“It clearly seems he’s been ambushed.”

Former bikie Shane Bowden was charged over the 2006 ballroom blitz brawl. Picture: Supplied
Former bikie Shane Bowden was charged over the 2006 ballroom blitz brawl. Picture: Supplied

It’s understood Bowden’s partner and two small children were home at the time of the incident, but did not witness the horrific shooting.

Police say they are searching for at least two men – one dressed in dark clothing, the other in light clothing.

Police at the scene of the Pimpama address where former bikie Shane Bowden was found murdered on Monday morning. Picture: Annette Dew
Police at the scene of the Pimpama address where former bikie Shane Bowden was found murdered on Monday morning. Picture: Annette Dew

Supt Smith said there was “no risk to the community” as it appeared it was an internal Mongols incident, after Bowden was reportedly “kicked out” of the gang earlier in the year.

“It is important that people understand that these gangs are criminals, they don’t take fluffy toys to hospital, they are criminal gangs who survive on retribution, violence and threats and if anyone thinks anything otherwise they’re an idiot,” Supt Smith said.

“You live by the sword, you die by the sword.”

Bowden’s death has already prompted LNP leader Deb Frecklington to commit to cracking down on bikies and gun crime should she win the October 31 election.

Ms Frecklington said crime had surged under the Palaszczuk government, and that she would reintroduce LNP’s “proven and effective bikie laws”, and launch a new crackdown on gun crime.”

“This cold-blooded killing is another reminder that the bikies have come back under Labor,” she said.

“Sadly, Queensland currently has some of the weakest gun crime laws in Australia … Where there should be tough penalties and tight protections, there are weak punishments and glaring holes in Queensland laws.”

Bowden recently made headlines when he was accused of lying on his border declaration when he returned to Queensland from Melbourne, having previously tested positive to COVID-19.

Shane Bowden at a previous court appearance. Picture: Tertius Pickard
Shane Bowden at a previous court appearance. Picture: Tertius Pickard

It was initially reported he had flown while infectious, however Queensland Health later said he had recovered from the virus before travelling.

When he arrived in the Sunshine State, police vowed to conduct a “complete and thorough” investigation.

He appeared in court last week, and was fined just $750 after the magistrate labelled the form “stupid” and “confusing” in relation to the question: “Do you currently have COVID-19 or in the last 14 days have you been a cleared case of COVID-19?”

Magistrate Joan White said the question should have been split into two.

Bowden tested positive to COVID-19 on August 5 while in hospital being treated for an infected gunshot wound.

He was cleared of the virus on August 21, and filled out the declaration pass six days later, in which he said he “had not been cleared of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.”

If he had declared he had been cleared of the virus seven days earlier, he would not have been able to enter Queensland.

Shane Bowden was shot multiple times. Picture: Supplied
Shane Bowden was shot multiple times. Picture: Supplied

He was once part of the Finks “terror team” and was responsible for shooting Christopher Hudson during the notorious ballroom blitz brawl.

In March 2006, three men were shot and three more were stabbed when members of the Finks attacked rival Hells Angels bikies in the Royal Pines Resort ballroom.

In 2008, Bowden was sentenced to 6 and a half years for his role in the melee, which took place in front of 1800 spectators and caused more than $10,000 worth of damage.

Weeks after he was released from prison in July this year, Bowden was the target of a drive-by shooting in Melbourne in July where he was shot in the leg.

When he returned to Queensland in August, he told The Courier Mail he wanted to return home to recover from his wounding.

More to come.

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