Police Suspect Bitter Custody Battle

"Laidley, Australia - A MAN suspected of a Brisbane murder pointed a high-powered rifle at two Laidley constables moments before turning the gun on himself.

"Police in Laidley had been on the lookout for the fugitive's 1994 Hilux ute following the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Brisbane man Michael Foot on Friday.

"The car was identified on CCTV footage taken near the scene of the shooting and authorities had received information that the driver had links to the Laidley area.

"A police source told The Queensland Times that two senior constables noticed the ute about 8pm and followed it through town at a safe distance.

"They lost sight of the ute, but found it when they returned to the police station on Spicer Street - parked in the back car park.

"The driver then pointed what was thought to have been either a shotgun or high-calibre rifle at the two officers, forcing them to duck for cover.

"A police source said the two officers shouted at the man to drop the weapon before the gun shot rang out.

"The man was later found with a fatal wound to the head.

"He is yet to be formally identified.

"Police said he was a former brother-in-law of Mr Foot, with media reports suggesting the tragic murder-suicide was motivated by a bitter custody battle with Mr Foot's ex-wife, Amanda Hoolahan, for the couple's 18-month-old son."

From The Queensland Times...