Four men charged over alleged drive-by slingshot attacks

Four men have been charged today in Brisbane over a series of alleged drive-by random slingshot attacks in the city’s west.

They are accused of firing metal projectiles from homemade slingshots at members of the public as they drove across the city from May 27 to June 1.

Police allege the victims were chosen at random and were a  22-year-old woman struck on the forehead in Paddington; a woman, 36, hit on the hand and a 53-year-old man struck on the back during separate attacks in Toowong; and a woman, 64, in St Lucia who was hit in the mouth.

The accused men were arrested after police stopped a car in south-west Brisbane late on May 31.

A search of the vehicle by officers allegedly found two handmade slingshots, two pocket-shot style devices and a set of knuckle dusters.

The two occupants of the vehicle were detained at the scene.

Over following days, police raided two properties at Redbank Plains and Forest Park where officers seized property linked to the assaults as well as cannabis and drug utensils.

Shortly after, three men aged 19 and a 20-year-old man were charged with assault, weapons, explosives and theft charges.

They are due to face court later this month.

Investigations remain ongoing, and police are appealing to anyone who may have been recently struck by an object from a passing vehicle in the Paddington, Toowong, St Lucia, Chapel Hill or surrounding areas to contact police.

Anyone with information should call 131 444.