A man is currently wanted for allegedly pouring scalding coffee on nine-month-old Luka in an unprovoked attack at a Brisbane park, leaving the infant with serious burns and prompting an international manhunt.

The August 27, 2024, incident, which has left baby Luka undergoing multiple surgeries for severe burns, has raised concerns among authorities, as the 33-year-old foreign national suspect fled Australia just four days later. Despite extensive investigation efforts hampered by misinformation, police are determined to locate the assailant, believed to have inflicted the grievous injury without any apparent motive.

The shocking attack took place in a park in Brisbane, Queensland, where Luka was enjoying a day out with his mother. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as the boy's mother, terrified for her child, screamed for help in the aftermath of the sudden assault. The extent of Luka's injuries has required significant medical intervention, leading to multiple surgical procedures to address the burns sustained from the scalding liquid.

Details surrounding the suspect are concerning. Local authorities have identified him as a 33-year-old foreign national who had been in Australia on various visas since 2019. He was described as an itinerant worker, moving across locations, which has made tracking his movements particularly challenging. Following the incident, he was last seen wearing a blue plaid shirt, a black hat, and glasses as he fled the scene, raising fears about his intentions and future actions.

In the wake of the attack, police launched an international manhunt for the suspect. Authorities revealed that they were aware of the individual’s surveillance of their investigation, which complicated their efforts in tracking him down. Four days after the attack, the suspect managed to leave Australia, with investigators believing that he has since traveled to another unnamed country. This development has only intensified pressure on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.

Detective Inspector Paul Dalton expressed his bewilderment at the apparent lack of motive for such a violent act. Typically, unprovoked attacks with severe consequences are not characteristic of public behavior, adding to the urgency of the inquiry. The police continue to seek any available leads that could clarify why the incident occurred, although no definitive motive has been established as yet.

The repercussions of this incident extend beyond Luka's physical injuries; they invoke broader concerns about public safety in community spaces. Law enforcement officials remain steadfast in their commitment to bringing the alleged assailant to justice, emphasizing that the intentional infliction of harm will not be tolerated. Authorities are working diligently with international partners to facilitate the search for the suspect, utilizing all resources at their disposal.

In the immediate aftermath of the event, which left a young family devastated, public outcry over the attack has sparked discussions about the need for greater scrutiny in public spaces. Many community members have rallied around Luka’s family, expressing solidarity and support as they navigate the challenges posed by the child's recovery. Efforts to raise awareness about the incident have also surfaced among local advocacy groups.

As Luka continues to receive treatment for his injuries, the investigation into the attack remains active. Police are urging anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. Authorities have underscored the importance of community vigilance in preventing similar incidents in the future, and interviews with witnesses are ongoing to piece together the moments leading up to the attack.

The gravity of this incident has prompted vows from law enforcement leaders to enhance protective measures in public parks to ensure the safety of families visiting such venues. As the investigation develops, the Brisbane community awaits the resolution of this disturbing case with the hope that justice will be served and that Luka’s recovery is prioritized.