A man has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at a Sunshine Coast business.
It will be alleged that at about 10.30pm, a 33-year-old man entered a premises in Maroochydore with a firearm and threatened the female staff member.
It will be further alleged that the man sexually assaulted the woman at the location before forcing her into her vehicle.
The man allegedly drove the vehicle away from the business, south to the Brisbane area.
Police tracked the vehicle as it proceeded back north to a park on Syd Lingard Drive at Buderim, where officers arrested the man at 2am.
The woman was taken to hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment and professional support.
The 33-year-old man has been charged with three counts of rape, two counts each of sexual assault whilst armed and armed robbery, and one count each of kidnapping, deprivation of liberty, enter premises with intent, unlawful possession of weapon (Category H), unlawful use of a motor vehicle and unlicenced driving.
He was expected to appear before the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersqld.com.au.
If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation. If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station. There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation. For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help. Quote this reference number: QP2501782066
