Man shot by his own rifle charged

A 27-year-old Gordonvale man has been charged with 25 offences after being shot by his own rifle in an alleged struggle at his home on Saturday.

Police will allege that at 3.30pm, a 31-year-old Edmonton man approached Mark Walter Auda’s home but was stopped at the door when Mr Auda allegedly produced a rifle and pointed it at the Edmonton man.

A short struggle commenced with the firearm allegedly discharging and wounding Mr Auda.

Police said both men fled the area, with Mr Auda allegedly fleeing along the Bruce Highway in a black Holden Commodore. It will be further alleged around 3.50pm two members of the public drove past Mr Auda, who was stopped on a grass verge, and he allegedly pointed the rifle at them.

Officers from Gordonvale Police Station saw the vehicle crash on Louie Piccone Way and saw Mr Auda exit the car with the rifle.

Police gave chase before challenging Mr Auda to drop the weapon.

He allegedly threatened police with the rifle before scaling a wire fence and running.

Mr Auda was allegedly attempting to hide the rifle as police located and arrested him. He was transported to the Cairns Hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to the foot.

Officers conducted a search of Mr Auda’s residence and vehicle locating a large sum of cash and what police will allege to be dangerous drugs.

He has been charged with 25 offences including five counts of unlawful possession of weapons, six counts of possess dangerous drugs and three counts of common assault.

Mr Auda did not apply for bail in court on Monday morning and the case was adjourned to June 12 in Cairns Magistrates Court.