Gunman on the run after man shot multiple times in front of partner on NSW Central Coast
Updated . First published at
A gunman is on the run after a man was shot multiple times in front of his partner on the NSW Central Coast, in what police say was a targeted attack.
Emergency services were called to a home on Lakedge Avenue in Berkeley Vale about 6.15am on Wednesday, following reports of a shooting.
The victim was confronted by a gunman and shot multiple times in front of his partner, police said. 9News
A 37-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to his hand and torso.
He was treated at the scene before being airlifted to hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
Police believe the gunman entered the property and confronted the victim, with the pair getting into a fight before the intruder fired at least two shots.
The victim’s female partner was inside the home at the time and witnessed the shooting but was not injured.
Neighbours and staff at a local business heard the gunfire.
“We heard a big bang and then one of my customers came running out of their house saying that her boyfriend had been shot,” one woman said.
Investigators believe the incident was targeted.
The victim was known to police.
Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander Chad Gillies said police were still investigating the motivation and could not confirm if it was linked to underworld violence in Sydney.
Investigators are now looking into whether the shooting is linked to underworld violence in Sydney. 9News
“It is an absolute concern when people are brandishing firearms and using them in these sorts of situations,” Gillies told reporters on Wednesday.
“We are focused on identifying those responsible.
“This is a rare occurrence in this particular area, this type of violence.”
A crime scene has been established and detectives are now investigating the incident.
Police want to speak to a driver of a silver GWM 4WD ute with roof racks and a roll bar who was seen in the area at the time of the shooting.
Gillies said investigators believe just one person is responsible for the shooting.
The suspect has been described as a male in his late teens or early 20s wearing a balaclava.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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