More than 17 months after a stranger allegedly poured hot coffee on a nine‑month‑old at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner, Brisbane, Australian and international authorities say the suspect remains at large.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued a joint update on Feb. 14, 2026, reaffirming their commitment to pursue justice for the infant, who was identified on a fundraiser as Luka. According to police, the incident occurred around midday on Aug. 27, 2024, when a man unknown to the family approached and poured a hot liquid onto the child before leaving the scene.
Man flees from scene after allegedly pouring hot coffee on a babyQueensland Police
Investigation and International Cooperation
Authorities say the suspect left Australia four days after the attack. The AFP has been coordinating with international partners and, in the joint release, said the alleged offender is "known to be in China." Chinese officials visited Brisbane from Feb. 2–6, 2026, in connection with the case. Xiao Qian, China's ambassador to Australia, described the delegation as a "working group," and said China was serious about addressing the matter (reported by BBC).
The AFP said it is "working jointly with Chinese authorities on appropriate options to take this matter forward" and thanked Chinese counterparts for their cooperation. The QPS and AFP noted that Chinese law provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for conduct that occurs outside China; however, the agencies have not confirmed the suspect's nationality. "As this is an ongoing investigation, the AFP and QPS have no further comment," the joint statement added.
Baby Luka in the hospital with burn injuriesGofundme
Charges, Evidence and Description
Australian authorities previously issued an arrest warrant accusing the man of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm — an offence that, under state law, can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Police released CCTV footage showing the suspect fleeing Hanlon Park. In images and video, he is seen wearing a black baseball cap, glasses, khaki shorts, a flannel shirt and black shoes, and holding what appears to be a cellphone.
Victim's Condition and Community Support
The infant, referred to as Luka on a GoFundMe page set up to cover medical costs, was hospitalised with what the fundraiser described as "severe burns." An update to the fundraiser said Luka is no longer in hospital but will require ongoing scar treatment and long‑term care. The organiser thanked the community for support and reiterated that the alleged attacker remains at large.
Key sources: Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police joint release (Feb. 14, 2026); GoFundMe fundraiser updates; BBC reporting on Chinese delegation comments.
