Individual Detained In the Wake of a Minimum of 50 Bullets Discharged from Inner West Sydney Unit

A male suspect aged 60 is now in police custody after a shooting that injured at least one person, numerous people injured and multiple cars fired upon by an armed individual in Sydney’s inner west.

An estimated 100 shots echoed during a two-hour period from 7:45 PM to 9:30 PM Sunday evening in Croydon Park.

Authorities Launch Large-Scale Response

Thoroughfares were blocked and a lockdown was imposed on the area as police launched a major operation following accounts a suspect was haphazardly discharging a weapon in the direction of passing vehicles, even targeting police vehicles, moving along Georges River Road.

The tactical operations squad were deployed to take into custody an individual in his sixties from an apartment situated over a shop on the heavily trafficked street.

Officials Offer Information

Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry informed the press late Sunday precise figures were not available exactly how many shots were fired “however, it's possible there were in the range of 50 to 100 bullets which were shot”.

He stated numerous vehicles and premises experienced gunfire and destruction over the course of the occurrence, though a more detailed understanding would be available in daylight.

Parry indicated the scene was secured “relatively swiftly” and praised the officers involved.

“They showed exceptional courage through their actions,” he told reporters at a news conference convened in the evening.

“They encountered a barrage of gunfire multiple times and should all be commended due to their conduct.”

He could not verify whether officers also fired their weapons in the course of the incident.

Top Officer Details Alarming Situation

The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon said law enforcement's wearable cameras demonstrated the proximity of officers to being struck as they ducked for protection amid the "critical and alarming situation".

“One can hear numerous gunshots, and certainly impact, nearby the recording device,” Lanyon stated to 2GB radio in Sydney on Monday.

A police member targeted by gunfire had only been out of the academy five weeks, Lanyon mentioned.

A motive for the shooting has not been established however, Lanyon indicated no association was found to any terrorism or gang activity.

Injuries and Consequences

Paramedics treated 16 people at the location for minor injuries.

• Certain individuals were hurt from broken glass as their windows were hit by the bullets.
• Some received treatment for shock.

Several individuals were taken to hospital following care from ambulance crews.

A cab driver in his 50s was critically but steadily positioned with wounds to his neck and head.

Exceptional Occurrence for the Region

Fortune played a role that more people weren’t hurt, Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King said.

“This is unheard of in Sydney to have something like this, featuring a significant quantity of discharged rounds,” he informed ABC radio during Monday.

“It is very fortunate that further destruction was avoided and certainly more injuries or indeed fatalities.”

King said it must have been frightening for the community and the police who responded.

“It can be stated that the first officers on scene were shot at. Our police cars have been damaged and it is very fortunate that no police have been injured.”

Suspect in Detention

The male suspect aged 60 was under police custody within a Bankstown medical facility and was due to be interrogated and formally charged on Monday.

Weapons, among them a high-caliber rifle, were seized during his arrest, law enforcement stated.

Witness Testimony

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 noticed several holes through the window right next to – on the passenger side,” he mentioned.

“It escaped my notice there was actually a hole on the roof as well. And I smelled the gunpowder, however, I presumed as it coincided with the NRL grand final evening, [it was] somebody throwing firecrackers or something.”