An allegedly "armed and dangerous" fugitive who has evaded police capture for more than two weeks is being helped by members of the community, Queensland's police minister has said.
An arrest warrant was issued for 27-year-old Mitchell James Wilson after he allegedly fired a semi-automatic rifle in two separate incidents earlier this month and set fire to a home in Brisbane's suburbs.
At a law enforcement conference on the Gold Coast today, Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said significant resources had been devoted to finding Mr Wilson but it was clear somebody was helping him avoid police.
"The Queensland Police Service everyday prioritises community safety and they're moving heaven and earth to apprehend this offender," Mr Ryan said.
"People can't go on the run for this period of time unless they've got help from some people.
"Someone knows something so please come forward and provide that information to the Queensland Police Service."
Police allege AK-47 was used
CCTV of the first firearm incident involving what police believed could be an AK-47 showed Mr Wilson pull the gun from a bag and shoot it in the direction of another man outside a Brendale business on the afternoon of April 6.
Police alleged later that day Mr Wilson threatened two women with the weapon at Mt Gravatt before again firing it when they ran away.
It was further alleged he set fire to a home at Sunnybank that night while looking for one of the women from the incident at Mt Gravatt.
At the time the arrest warrant was issued, Brisbane Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham described Mr Wilson as "armed, dangerous, irrational but particularly unpredictable".
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said a "full team" of officers was trying to find Mr Wilson and anyone who saw him should avoid contact.
"I ask that people, if they have any idea where he may be, to report it to police immediately," she said.
"Obviously there are concerns for community safety, if you approach this person, so call police immediately.
"We're hoping that in the next few weeks we find him and as a result there is a peaceful resolution."
Mr Wilson is described as being Caucasian, about 185 centimetres tall with a solid build, light brown hair and hazel eyes.
