A 3-year-old boy has died in the foyer of Beenleigh police station following a car crash police are treating as a possible act of domestic violence.
Police said a Mazda car “veered into the bush” along Eastern Services Road, Stapylton just before 5am on Saturday 25 October.
Police suspect there were three people in the car: a Beenleigh man, 24, a Gold Coast woman, 22, and their two children, aged 3 and 1.
The Beenleigh man allegedly left the scene with the 1-year-old before police arrived on scene.
Detective acting superintendent Mark Mooney said the person driving behind the Mazda witnessed the crash and stopped to make sure everyone was okay.
The woman asked to be taken to Beenleigh Police Station with her 3-year-old son, and the witness complied.
Upon arrival at the station, the boy was unresponsive and police commenced “urgent” CPR.
“Unfortunately, the 3-year-old boy has died,” Mr Mooney said.
It is understood the boy suffered a life-threatening head injury.
No one else was injured.
Mr Mooney said the man and woman were in a relationship for a “number of years”, but had been separated for about 12 months.
There is currently a temporary protection order in place, he said, which has been in effect since June 2024.
As a result, the man has been charged for breaching a domestic violence order and was expected to appear in court on Monday 27 October.
Mr Mooney said investigations indicated the man was driving at the time of the crash.
He said any previous domestic violence incidents between the parents would form part of police inquiries.
“It is really too early to determine the exact circumstances of what occurred prior to the crash.
“We will determine if there was any mechanical reason for the vehicle to be driven off the road or whether it was human actions.
“We have a lot of enquiries to make but we are appealing for the public to come forward with any information they may have.”
Police say the woman drove from the Gold Coast to a property on Coral Street, Beenleigh the morning of the crash to pick the man up.
Following the crash, at about 6.30am, police found the man and his 1-year-old son at a Beenleigh address.
He is now helping police with enquiries.
If you or someone you know is affected by family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.  In an emergency, call 000.
Men who are concerned about their own attitudes and behaviours can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
