Individual Detained Following at Least 50 Shots Fired from Sydney Residence
A man in his sixties was taken into custody following one individual sustained a gunshot wound, numerous people injured and multiple cars fired upon by a gunman within the inner western suburbs of Sydney.
Up to 100 rounds echoed over a two hour window starting at 7:45 PM and ending around 9:30 PM on Sunday within the Croydon Park locality.
Police Initiate Major Operation
Streets were closed and the vicinity was secured under lockdown following the start of a significant police operation after reports a suspect was haphazardly discharging a weapon towards drivers, including police cars, travelling along Georges River Road.
Specialist police teams were summoned to take into custody a 60-year-old man from an apartment situated over a shop adjacent to the bustling roadway.
Police Leadership Give An Account
Acting Supt Stephen Parry stated to journalists during Sunday evening it was unclear about the precise count of bullets let off “though estimates suggest in the range of 50 to 100 bullets which were shot”.
He stated numerous vehicles and premises sustained gunshots and damage throughout the event, however, a fuller account could be obtained during daylight hours.
Parry stated the location was brought under control “promptly” and praised the officers involved.
“They showed exceptional courage in doing what they did,” he told reporters in a late-night press conference.
“They encountered swift shooting multiple times and should all be commended due to their conduct.”
He could not verify whether officers also fired their weapons throughout the confrontation.
Commissioner Details Terrifying Event
Commissioner Mal Lanyon of NSW Police stated law enforcement's wearable cameras showed how close officers came to being hit as they took cover throughout the "grave and frightening event".
“One can hear many shots, along with definite impacts, in close proximity to the camera,” Lanyon stated to 2GB radio in Sydney during Monday.
A police member targeted by gunfire was a recent academy graduate five weeks, Lanyon said.
The reason behind the shooting remains under investigation but Lanyon said no connection was identified with terrorist or gang-related actions.
Injuries and Aftermath
Ambulance crews cared for 16 people at the location suffering from minor wounds.
- Some were injured due to flying glass fragments when their windows were struck by bullets.
- Others were treated for shock.
A group of persons were transported to the hospital after being treated by paramedics.
A cab driver in his 50s remained in serious yet stable condition with wounds to his neck and head.
Exceptional Event for the Region
It came down to chance that further casualties were avoided, the acting assistant commissioner Trent King stated.
“Such an event is rare for Sydney to witness an occurrence of this kind, involving such an extensive volume of gunfire,” he told radio broadcaster ABC during Monday.
“It is very fortunate that we didn’t have more damage and undoubtedly more injuries or even deaths.”
King mentioned it must have been frightening for residents and bystanders and the police who responded.
“To clarify the first officers on scene were shot at. We have damaged police vehicles and it is very fortunate that all police emerged unharmed.”
Alleged Shooter in Detention
The 60-year-old man was held by authorities at Bankstown hospital and was due to be interrogated and officially charged during Monday.
Guns, such as a large-caliber rifle, were seized during his arrest, police alleged.
Bystander Report
A person present during the gunfire informed the ABC he was traveling nearby and “heard a bang, bang, bang on the taxi's left flank”.
“Subsequently, I glanced beside me, and I saw a couple of holes through the window right next to – on the passenger side,” he said.
“And I didn’t realise that a hole was also present on the roof. And I smelled the gunpowder, though I thought because it was [NRL] grand final night, perhaps individuals were lighting firecrackers or the like.”
