Man Arrested Following No Fewer Than 50 Shots Fired from Croydon Park Unit

A 60-year-old man is now in police custody in the aftermath of a shooting that injured at least one person, numerous people injured and multiple cars fired upon by a gunman within the inner western suburbs of Sydney.

Up to 100 shots were fired during a two-hour period from 7:45 PM to 9:30 PM Sunday evening in the suburb of Croydon Park.

Police Begin Major Operation

Thoroughfares were blocked and the vicinity was secured under lockdown following the start of a significant police operation after reports a suspect was haphazardly discharging a weapon at motorists, encompassing law enforcement automobiles, travelling along Georges River Road.

The tactical operations squad were deployed to arrest an individual in his sixties from a residence located above a commercial establishment on the heavily trafficked street.

Authorities Give Details

Acting Supt Stephen Parry informed the press during Sunday evening it was unclear exactly how many shots were fired “but there could have been anywhere between 50 and 100 shots that have been discharged”.

He said several automobiles and properties sustained gunshots and damage throughout the event, but a clearer picture could be obtained during daylight hours.

Parry said the location was brought under control “relatively swiftly” and applauded the involved law enforcement personnel.

“They showed exceptional courage by carrying out their duties,” he told reporters during a press briefing held late at night.

“They were under swift shooting on a number of occasions and deserve full recognition due to their conduct.”

He could not verify whether officers also fired their weapons during the standoff.

Commissioner Details Terrifying Situation

Mal Lanyon, the NSW Police Commissioner stated body-worn cameras from police revealed how near police were to getting shot while they sought shelter amid the "critical and alarming situation".

“It's possible to hear many shots, along with definite impacts, in close proximity to the camera,” Lanyon stated to Sydney radio 2GB during Monday.

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

The motivation for the gunfire has not been established though Lanyon stated there was no known link to acts of terrorism or organized crime.

Injuries and Fallout

Paramedics treated a group of 16 persons at the scene with non-life-threatening harm.

• Certain individuals were hurt due to flying glass fragments after their vehicle windows were shot.
• Some received treatment for shock.

A group of persons were admitted to medical facilities after being treated by paramedics.

A taxi operator in his 50s remained in serious yet stable condition with wounds to his neck and head.

Unprecedented Event for the City

It came down to chance that additional individuals were not injured, Trent King, the acting assistant commissioner stated.

“This is unheard of in Sydney to experience an incident of this nature, with such a large number of shots fired,” he informed ABC radio during Monday.

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

King said it must have been frightening for residents and bystanders as well as for the attending law enforcement.

“It can be stated that the responding police came under gunfire. We have damaged police vehicles and we are extremely lucky that all police emerged unharmed.”

Alleged Shooter in Detention

The individual in his sixties was under police custody at Bankstown hospital and was due to be interrogated and formally accused on Monday.

Firearms, including a high-calibre rifle, were seized during his arrest, law enforcement stated.

Witness Account

One eyewitness to the shooting informed the ABC he was driving by and “heard a bang, bang, bang on the left side of the car, the taxi”.

“Subsequently, I glanced beside me, and I spotted a few openings in the window on the passenger side,” he stated.

“And I didn’t realise there was actually a hole on the roof as well. I detected the scent of gunpowder, but I assumed since it was the night of the NRL grand final, it might be someone setting off firecrackers or similar.”