Police in Australia, in cooperation with international authorities, have launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly fled the country after pouring hot coffee on a baby in Brisbane. The incident, which occurred on August 31, left the nine-month-old boy with severe burns to his face and limbs. The child was at a suburban park on a picnic with his family when a “strange man” approached and emptied a flask of hot coffee on him before fleeing on foot, according to witnesses cited by the BBC.
The baby was immediately given first aid and was then taken to a nearby apartment by an off-duty nurse to have his burns treated with cold water. He has since undergone multiple surgeries, and his parents say he faces a years-long road to recovery.
Queensland Police issued an arrest warrant for a 33-year-old suspect wanted for intending to cause grievous bodily harm, a charge that carries a possible life sentence. Authorities revealed that the suspect left Australia from Sydney airport six days after the incident, just 12 hours before his identity could be confirmed. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.
Police have identified the suspect and know the country he fled to but are withholding this information to avoid jeopardizing the investigation. The suspect, described as an “itinerant” worker, had been traveling to Australia repeatedly since 2019 and had addresses in both New South Wales and Victoria. Deputy Inspector Paul Dalton noted that the suspect was aware of police methodologies and had been conducting counter-surveillance activities to evade capture.
The baby’s parents expressed their devastation upon learning that the suspect had left the country, but also relief that he was no longer in Australia. The boy is reported to be in “good spirits,” though he may require further skin graft surgeries.
A GoFundMe page set up for the baby boy has raised over A$150,000 so far, reflecting the community’s support and concern for his recovery.
