Australian police are working with international counterparts to find a man they believe fled the country after pouring boiling coffee on a baby in Brisbane.
The nine-month-old boy suffered “severe burns” to his face and limbs in the random attack, which happened last month and shocked the country.
Queensland police have issued an arrest warrant for a 33-year-old man who is wanted for intent to cause grievous bodily harm, a charge that could carry a life sentence.
However, on Monday they said the main suspect flew out of Sydney Airport six days after the incident and just 12 hours after they confirmed his identity.
On August 31, the infant was having a picnic with her family in a suburban park when witnesses said a “strange man” approached, poured a bottle of water on the child, and then fled on foot.
The baby received immediate first aid before an off-duty nurse took him to a nearby apartment where his burns were washed with cold water.
However, the child suffered serious injuries that have required multiple surgeries, and his parents say he faces a years-long road to recovery.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton told media the motive behind the incident remained unclear, describing the case as one of the “most complex and frustrating” he had worked on.
He confirmed police knew the country the suspect had fled to and his name, but said revealing the information at this time could jeopardize their investigation.
The man is a “migrant” worker who has traveled to Australia several times since 2019 and has addresses in New South Wales and Victoria.
Insp Dalton also said the suspect was aware of “police methods” and had been “engaging in counter-surveillance activity” to evade police investigations.
The baby’s parents told media on Monday they were “shocked” but relieved to learn the suspect had left the country.
“It sounds like they’re very, very close to catching him, which obviously means we’re going to have to wait, God knows how long, to get justice for our son,” his mother told the ABC.
His father added that the boy was in “good spirits” but may need further skin grafting.
So far, more than A$150,000 ($100,000, £76,000) has been raised on GoFundMe for the baby boy.
