A man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly hijacking a television news car at gunpoint and crashing it into a gas tank on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Police were called to a disturbance in Noosa Heads about 4:40am on Thursday after receiving reports a man was threatening his partner.

When officers arrived, they said the 45-year-old man fled on his motorbike.

When he reached Eumundi, he allegedly flagged down Channel 7 television news cameraman Pete Steer, who had been rushing to cover the incident.

The man threatened Mr Steer with a weapon and took his car, police said.

“I had no idea what he wanted me to pull over for, but I did,” Mr Steer said.

“Unfortunately, when my back was turned he took off with the car – aiming the pistol at me.”

Once in the news car, police said the man drove down the street and crashed it into a 5,000 litre gas tank at a petrol station, causing a gas leak.

He then asked a woman for a lighter.

Acting Fire Inspector Archie Andrews said it was lucky there was no explosion.

“If it had of actually ignited then it could have taken out a large area,” he said.

“Anything up to probably 400 metres.”

Police arrived at the scene and the man was taken to hospital.

Bystander Joe had just filled up his car when he saw the crash.

“[There was] a big crunch, gas everywhere – I just turned and bolted basically because I thought – I was in two minds – I thought someone’s in there and another – I’ve got to get out of here,” he said.

“[When he tried to enter the station] the doors were locked, he then proceeded to ram it with his head about three times and shattered it – didn’t break it.

“Then just after that the police turned up – five or six – with guns pulled out and then apprehended the guy.”

The offender was taken to hospital, where he was treated under police guard.

He was charged this afternoon with the attempted murder of his partner, armed robbery, wilful damage, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and unlicensed possession of weapon.

The woman, 42, was taken to hospital with head injuries.

During the rampage, the accused was filmed by Mr Steer saying: “I just hope she’s all right”.

He is due to appear before court later this week.