Criminal Groups Squad detectives have charged a man as part of ongoing investigations into a public place shooting outside a Prospect gym last month.
About 11.35am on Monday 29 November 2021, emergency services were called to Rowood Road, Prospect, following reports of a public place shooting.
Police were told a number of shots were fired from a Mazda wagon at a group of four men who were approaching the front entrance of the complex, before the vehicle fled the carpark toward Blacktown Road.
One of the men – aged 33 – sustained a gunshot wound to his lower right leg. The others were uninjured.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital, and has since been released.
A short time after the shooting, emergency services were called to Augusta Street, Blacktown, where the Mazda was located on fire.
Officers from Blacktown Police Area Command established crime scenes at both locations before the matter was referred to detectives from State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad, who established Strike Force Parbery to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
About 6am Wednesday (15 December 2021), strike force detectives, assisted by specialist operatives from the Tactical Operations Unit, executed two search warrants at properties in Bidwill and Tregear.
During the searches, investigators seized two firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, two vehicles, number plates and knuckledusters.
Officers also seized $3900 cash, a CCTV system, mobile phones, SIM cards, cannabis, a Dedicated Encrypted Communication Device (DECD), and documentation.
All items seized will undergo forensic and ballistic examination.
Following further inquiries and a public appeal for information, Raptor Squad officers arrested a 23-year-old man following a short foot pursuit on Tarawa Road, Lethbridge Park, about 10pm yesterday (Thursday 16 December 2021).
He was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and charged with 11 offences;
- Shoot at with intent to murder (x4),
- fire firearm in or near public place,
- damage property by fire/explosion more than $15,000 value,
- possess unauthorised pistol,
- not keep firearm safely – pistol,
- possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority,
- possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and,
- possess unauthorised firearm.
The Bidwill man was refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court today (Friday 17 December 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Parbery are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
