Suspect Arrested After No Fewer Than 50 Bullets Discharged from Sydney Unit

A 60-year-old man has been arrested after a shooting that injured at least one person, numerous people injured and several automobiles targeted by gunfire by a shooter within the inner western suburbs of Sydney.

Up to 100 bullets rang out during a two-hour period between 7.45pm and 9.30pm on Sunday night in the suburb of Croydon Park.

Authorities Begin Large-Scale Response

Streets were closed and the area was placed in lockdown following the start of a significant police operation in response to information a man was indiscriminately firing towards drivers, even targeting police vehicles, moving along Georges River Road.

The tactical operations squad was called in to detain an individual in his sixties from a residence located above a commercial establishment on the heavily trafficked street.

Officials Provide Details

Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry informed the press during Sunday evening precise figures were not available exactly how many shots were fired “however, it's possible there were somewhere from 50 to 100 rounds that have been discharged”.

He stated multiple cars and buildings experienced gunfire and destruction during the incident, but a clearer picture would be available in daylight.

Parry said the scene was secured “fairly quickly” and commended the participating police.

“They demonstrated remarkable valor by carrying out their duties,” he informed the media in a late-night press conference.

“They encountered rapid fire gun shots on a number of occasions and should all be commended for their actions.”

He could not verify if police discharged their firearms as well during the standoff.

Commissioner Describes Alarming Incident

Mal Lanyon, the NSW Police Commissioner remarked body-worn cameras from police demonstrated how near police were to getting shot while they sought shelter during the “serious and terrifying incident”.

“You can hear a multitude of firearm discharges, along with definite impacts, not too far from the camera,” Lanyon stated to 2GB radio in Sydney on Monday.

A police member targeted by gunfire was a recent academy graduate five weeks, Lanyon noted.

The motivation for the gunfire was yet to be determined but Lanyon said no association was found to acts of terrorism or organized crime.

Casualties and Aftermath

Paramedics treated 16 people on site suffering from minor wounds.

• Some were injured from broken glass when their windows were struck by bullets.
• Others were treated for shock.

Several individuals were transported to the hospital after being treated by paramedics.

A taxi operator aged in his fifties was in a serious but stable condition having sustained harm to his neck and head area.

Exceptional Occurrence for the City

It was a matter of luck that additional individuals were not injured, Trent King, the acting assistant commissioner said.

“This is unheard of in Sydney to have something like this, involving such an extensive volume of gunfire,” he told radio broadcaster ABC on Monday morning.

“We are extremely lucky that additional harm was prevented and undoubtedly more injuries or even deaths.”

King said it likely was alarming for residents and bystanders and the police who responded.

“To clarify those initial police were fired upon. Our police cars have been damaged and it is very fortunate that no officers sustained injuries.”

Alleged Shooter in Police Custody

The individual in his sixties remained in police custody at Bankstown hospital and was slated for questioning and formally accused on Monday.

Guns, such as a large-caliber rifle, were seized during his arrest, authorities claimed.

Eyewitness Account

A person present during the gunfire told the ABC he was driving by and “heard a bang, bang, bang on the taxi's left flank”.

“Subsequently, I glanced beside me, and I saw a couple of holes in the window on the passenger side,” he said.

“I was unaware there was actually a hole on the roof as well. And I smelled the gunpowder, though I thought since it was the night of the NRL grand final, it might be someone setting off firecrackers or similar.”