There doesn't appear to be "any rhyme or reason" as to why a man was shot at in a drive-by attack on the Gold Coast early this morning, police say.
A 20-year-old Brisbane man was hit in the chest while crossing the intersection of Cavill Avenue and Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise, at around 4.30am.
Acting Chief Superintendent Knowles said a single "birdshot" round was fired at the man from a shotgun.
Birdshots are cartridges filled with smaller metal pellets, typically used to hunt small animals.
"Even that can cause some serious and significant damage and injury to people," Acting Chief Superintendent Knowles said.
"It's certainly something that's significantly concerning for us."
The man was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Acting Chief Superintendent Scott Knowles said the man was with two friends but that no clear motive has been established.
"They were simply walking down the road, they've heard a shot fired and before they realised, their friend was actually struck," he said.
"It doesn’t appear that the victims or his friend knew anybody that was causing problems, had any issues with anybody.
"This doesn't appear to have any rhyme or reason to why this incident occurred."
No one else was injured.
Appeal for public information
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or has relevant CCTV or dash cam footage, to contact them.
The suspect vehicle, a black Ford Ranger with the number plate 160EQ9, has been located by police in Pallara.
Acting Chief Superintendent Knowles said the ute was spotted on CCTV travelling south along Ferny Avenue before pulling a U-turn after the shooting, and driving north to Southport.
It then headed north along the M1.
The ute was found engulfed in flames and has been taken away for forensic investigation.
Acting Chief Superintendent Knowles said it had been stolen from Murrumba Downs on September 29.
He said it was not clear how many people were in the ute at the time but that there's "nothing to indicate this was gang related at all".
