A man has been charged with murder after allegedly killing a man walking his dog and assaulting two others in a series of violent attacks south-west of Bundaberg.
The alleged rampage took place yesterday in the small town of Childers, leaving an elderly man dead after he was allegedly brutally bashed with a metal pole.
The accused killer, Richard Zoltan Babos, was eventually restrained by members of the public about 3pm while allegedly trying to strangle Andrew Kearney with a garden hose.
"I put my hand up here to keep the blood flow, then he put another loop of hose around me and then I started to black out," Kearney told 9News.
Kearney said he struggled with his alleged attacker for several minutes until a group of mates saw what was happening and jumped in to help.
"Without them I wouldn't be here today," he said.
Police allege the violence began just before 2pm on the Bruce Highway at Glenorchy, when the 36-year-old from Bundaberg West reversed a Subaru Liberty into a Tesla, abusing the driver.
Half an hour later at Childers he is accused of reversing into a Mitsubishi Pajero before punching the 65-year-old man driving multiple times.
A few minutes later in North Isis, 78-year-old Laurie Elliott, who was out walking his cattle dog Bluey at the time, was allegedly set upon and bashed to death.
Elliott was attacked just metres from the home he shared with wife of 61 years, Heidi.
She was too upset to speak on camera but told 9News the couple were enjoying their retirement together in Childers.
Elliott's friend Denise Kretschmann said the news was "just absolutely devastating for everybody".
"He was a dearly loved and appreciated and genuine man," she said.
"Loved by many and will be sadly missed by all."
The small town was today overwhelmed by three separate crime scenes as detectives worked to gather evidence and establish a timeline around the events that unfolded.
None of the victims are believed to be known to the man.
Babos was charged with one count each of murder, attempt to murder, acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable, dangerous operation of a vehicle and evasion.
He was remanded in custody.
