Police are searching for a gunman after a man was shot in the arm in the car park of a Gold Coast fast-food restaurant last night.
It is believed the 19-year-old was shot with a small calibre firearm — possibly a .22 — at the Helensvale Plaza shopping centre at about 6.20pm.
Police said the suspect fled the scene in a white Nissan Qashqai hatchback.
A member of the public who witnessed the incident called police and the area was quickly cordoned off and declared a crime scene.
The victim was taken to hospital in a stable condition with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, where he was interviewed by detectives.
He required emergency surgery on his right arm to remove the bullet, which was lodged in his forearm just below the elbow.
At a press conference on Friday morning, police said the victim and shooter were known to each other and had arranged to meet at the car park.
Gold Coast Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn described the gunshot wound as "relatively minor" and said the victim was cooperating with police.
"He has given us quite some insight into what has gone on," Detective Inspector Ahearn said.
"The male person has got out of the white Nissan and has been in possession of what has been described as a sawn-off rifle.
"The victim has immediately turned and ran, and has heard a gunshot and has felt that he has been shot."
Police believe the victim arrived in a stolen white Skoda SUV, which was seized by police last night for forensic examination.
Investigators are now searching for the suspect, who they believe was in his 30s, as well as others.
"We believe there were other people in those vehicles," Detective Inspector Ahearn said.
"It's extremely concerning that people are carrying these types of weapons around and if you are sawing off a rifle then you are not doing it for legitimate purposes."
Police have ruled out any connection to outlaw motorcycle gangs or organised crime.
