OFF THE WIRE
A MAN linked to outlaw motorcycle gxxgs forced a Gold Coast school into lockdown after he made threats against a mother on the school grounds.
About 9am yesterday, police swarmed Broadbeach State School after a woman told staff at the school a death threat had been made against her.
Witnesses said the woman was walking with two children on the school grounds when the man approached her.
The incident sparked a massive manhunt of the school and surrounding suburbs.
The police helicopter was also called in to help hunt the alleged offender.
The woman cowered in the principal's office during the ordeal.
Anthony Ellis was working opposite the school when he repeatedly heard "code blue" through the school speakers.
"All of a sudden all the kids were gone and all these police cars pulled up," Mr Ellis said.
"Whatever happened, the school didn't take any chances."
About 11am several police swarmed an Ashmore street in pursuit of two men they believed might have been with the suspect.
The male driver of the car and his passenger were handcuffed and had their vehicle searched but were later freed.
A police spokesman said the men were issued with unrelated infringement notices.
Soon after, police arrested the wanted man at a hotel in Miami. He was taken to the Broadbeach Police Station for questioning before being transported to the Southport Watchhouse.
He was released yesterday afternoon. No charges had been laid against him and a police spokesman said charges were "unlikely" although investigations were continuing.
Education Queensland southeast regional director Glen Hoppner commended school staff for their handling of the situation.
"Staff at Broadbeach State School acted quickly to place the school in lockdown this morning following an incident," Mr Hoppner said.
"As the incident is now a police matter, Education Queensland is unable to provide further information."
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/05/15/415681_gold-coast-lead-story.html
