Detectives from Bayside Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 55-year-old Annerley man following the alleged arson of two tobacco shops on Brisbane's southside in May.
It will be alleged at approximately 11.30pm on May 8, the man deliberately lit a fire at an Island Outlook Avenue tobacco store in Thornlands before leaving the scene in a stolen Audi RS4.
The Audi was allegedly stolen from a Picton Parade property in Wynnum on March 14.
The same man was also allegedly involved in an attempted break in at a tobacconist on Old Cleveland Road in Capalaba at approximately 3.30am on May 16.
It will be alleged he left the scene in a Nissan Navara after being disrupted by a patrolling security guard.
The Nissan was allegedly stolen from an address at Hendy Drive Redbank Plains on May 5.
Approximately ten minutes later at 3.40am at a tobacco store on Old Cleveland Road East in Wellington Point, the man allegedly lit another fire before leaving in the Nissan Navara.
No one was physically injured during any of the alleged incidents.
Following extensive investigations, the man was taken into police custody at the Brisbane International Airport yesterday, August 27, where he was allegedly trying to board a plane to Copenhagen.
The 55-year-old has been charged with two counts each of arson and unlawful use of motor vehicle, and one count each of stealing and enter premises and commit indictable offence.
He is due to appear at Cleveland Magistrates Court today, August 28.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
