A SUSPECTED gunman has been arrested after up to 100 shots were fired from the roof of a restaurant in Sydney leaving at least 16 people injured.
Cops said the shooter fired “indiscriminately” at passing vehicles, including police cars.
3
Police arrested a 60-year-old man after one person was shot and at least 16 were left injured.
Police have provided an update hours after locking down multiple Croydon Park streets, saying “there could have been anywhere between 50 and 100 shots [that] had been discharged at the time”.
Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry fronted the media, saying gunshots had been fired “indiscriminately at passing vehicles”.
“He was shooting… from within the premises, out of a window”.
“That is what we believe.”
The huge police operation came to an end just after midnight on Monday morning, following the 60-year-old’s arrest.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King said the shooting was “horrific” and “almost unprecedented in Sydney”.
He told Australian media police did not know his motivation for the shooting.
“It’s a high-calibre rifle that he used for the incident as well,” he said.
“Very, very concerning. That’s certainly part of the investigation that’s commencing today.”
Assistant Commissioner King said officers were also being fired upon by the shooter, after arriving at the scene.
He said police would speak with the alleged shooter “at the appropriate time” to probe how he got his hands on the firearm and ammunition.
The investigation is ongoing.
The man, who is yet to be charged, was taken to hospital under police guard for injuries sustained during his arrest.
Following the shooting, one man presented at the Canterbury Hospital after the Croydon Park shooting with a gunshot wound.
After being assessed, he was taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.
A further 16 people were treated for minor injuries by paramedics at the scene, where two were taken to Canterbury Hospital.
Multiple vehicles, including two police cars, sustained damage after reportedly being shot at in the “active shooter incident”.
Officers could be heard shouting “put your hands up” and “get down” as they detained the suspected shooter.
The alleged shooter was seen on the roof of a restaurant, where he reportedly fired four shots onto the street.
Two hours later, police swarmed a unit above the business on Georges River Rd where several firearms were seized and the alleged shooter was taken into custody.
Witnesses recalled hearing gunshots at around 9pm followed by a number of bangs, ABC reported.
The whole area remains on lockdown with residents urged to stay indoors.
Police have also warned motorists to find alternative routes as roads remain closed.
NSW Police said in a statement: “A police operation is currently underway at Croydon Park after shots were fired”.
“The area has been locked down with Georges River Road closed between Croydon Avenue and Seymor Street and Brighton Avenue closed between Georges River Road and Queensborough Road.
“Specialist resources are attending, and the public is urged to stay inside, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
“Further information will be provided when available.”
3