QT.com.au
THE gunman suspected of shooting three people in a violent clash between rival car gangs in Ipswich has taken his own life.
It is believed the wanted man committed suicide within 24 hours of the shooting incident which erupted in Redbank Plains in the early hours of Sunday.
One man required surgery for bullet wounds after the confrontation in Highbury Drive.
Two others suffered minor wounds.
During a hearing in Ipswich Magistrates Court it was revealed that the man who police believe pulled the trigger is now dead.
Up to 50 people were believed to have been at the scene of the shooting, but so far only one person has been charged.
James Edward Rawes, 20, is accused of taking a German Mauser rifle to Highbury Drive and firing into the air.
The court heard members of car clubs, the Southside Ridaz and the Pure Kaos Car Club, had exchanged heated phone and text messages on the night of the shooting before converging on Redbank Plains.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Brad Dick said Rawes allegedly handed the rifle to the suspected gunman, who had since committed suicide. It is believed he hanged himself at his Logan home.
Defence lawyer Matthew Fairclough said Rawes, who lives in Crestmead, Logan, took the rifle to the street because he was "concerned about the welfare of others".
"He's charged as a party to the offence with the now-deceased co-accused," Mr Fairclough said.
"He acquired the rifle to shoot kangaroos."
Mr Fairclough said Rawes, who works for a car-dismantling company, was a former member of the Southside Ridaz and had previously been assaulted by members of the Redbank Plains-based Pure Kaos Car Club.
Snr Cnst Dick said the location of the rifle used in the shooting was still unknown but Mr Fairclough said the now deceased man had possession of the rifle after the incident.
Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch Acting Senior Sergeant Gary Dixon said police were still interviewing witnesses to the incident.
Acting Senior Sergeant Dixon said detectives were yet to ascertain how many car club members had gathered in Highbury Drive.
"The matter is still being investigated and there is still the possibility of further charges being laid," he said.
"The Queensland Police Service takes a very serious view to this type of incident, where groups of people get together in a suburban street to fight amongst themselves."
Rawes faces charges of affray, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, unlawful possession of a weapon, three counts of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of grievous bodily harm.
Magistrate Donna MacCallum refused bail and said Rawes had put himself in an "impossible situation" by taking a rifle to the street.
Rawes, who appeared in court wearing a brown T-shirt and pants, cried and waved to his partner as he was led away.
He is next expected to appear in court for mention on April 28.
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