A man who sparked a siege situation in Townsville last week has been arrested after leaving the houseboat he was hiding in to use the bathroom.
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The man aged in his 30s was apprehended on Wednesday by a swarm of officers when stepping on shore.
Police believe the man had been in the houseboat for 48 hours prior to his arrest.
The man has been charged with 16 offences, ranging from unlawful use of a motor vehicle, break and enter and possession of a dangerous drug.
He is expected to face court on Thursday.
Inspector Roger White says police waited for the man to leave the houseboat as it was the safest form of arrest.
"We knew in our crystal ball methodology that at some stage he is going to have to go to shore and word has it, bush telegraph, he wanted to go to the toilet. God bless him," he said.
"He made the mistake in judgement to jump in a dinghy and motor across and step on shore.
"The coppers came from everywhere, it was beautiful."
Police also confirmed they had found the firearm the man allegedly had during the siege, saying it was a gel blaster.
Last Thursday, multiple streets in the suburb of Garbutt were closed as police responded to reports of a man with a firearm.
Officers were called to a Clarke St home about 10.30am and were locked in a standoff with the man who'd earlier threatened a neighbour during a dispute.
A second man, believed to be his brother, was taken into custody during the six-hour siege. He has not been charged with any offences.
Police say the wanted man had a previous warrant out for his arrest in relation to property offences.
Police were led to believe the man remained inside the Clarke St home but found it empty when tactical response officers burst inside.
Australian Associated Press
