Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad are appealing for information after a man was shot in the lower body in Deer Park last month.
Investigators have been told the 27-year-old man was stationary in his vehicle on Mt Derrimut Road when a number of men approached the vehicle just after 9.10pm on Friday, 20 January and opened the driver’s side door, shooting him in the lower body.
He had stopped his vehicle, a black Toyota Hilux, in the north-bound lane near Deer Park Railway station due to the boom games being down while a train was crossing when the men approached.
The victim then drove to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The other occupants of the vehicle, a 26-year-old woman and two children, were not physically injured during the incident.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack and continue to appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
It’s believed a number of other vehicles were stationary at the crossing when the shooting occurred, and detectives are particularly keen to speak to those drivers and passengers.
Detectives have today released CCTV of the cars at the crossing who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Police are particularly keen to speak of the occupants of the white car, which was the closest to the victim’s vehicle after the incident.
Investigators are also keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time and has dashcam footage or is yet to speak to police.
Police are urging anyone with information or with dashcam footage of any of the incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway, Armed Crime Squad:
“This is a particularly concerning incident, especially given young children were present. Such a reckless use of firearms has left one man with potentially life changing injuries.
“We do believe this incident was targeted; however it would have been incredibly frightening for the other people in the car and had the potential to impact other innocent parties. We have a significant investigation into the incident underway and are keen to speak to anyone who has information about the shooting.
“Investigators know there were a number of other cars stationary at the crossing when the shooting occurred, so we are urging those people in the vehicles to come forward and speak to police, particularly anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage.”
