Five arrested after nine-hour manhunt over Geraldton shooting
A nine-hour manhunt has ended with five people arrested after a man was shot on a rural road near Geraldton in WA’s Mid West.
Tactical Response Group officers flown in from Perth swooped in on a Moonyoonooka property before taking the group into custody.
A man is recovering in hospital after being shot in the leg in Moonyoonooka, east of Geraldton. 9News
Officers repeatedly called for people inside the home to come out with their hands raised before five people were arrested and questioned.
The operation followed a shooting about 1am on Wednesday, when a 32-year-old man was shot in the leg on a rural road.
He was taken to Geraldton Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“By the time police arrived, the victim was there on his own,” Acting Superintendent Ben Huggett said.
Police believe the gunman and others fled the scene in a vehicle before officers launched a major search across the area.
“At this stage we believe there are at least three people involved in the incident,” Huggett said.
The firearm has not been found, with the police dog squad also brought in as officers searched the area and the property.
“From all accounts we are dealing with a genuine firearm, yes,” Huggett said.
Two young boys living nearby watched as Tactical Response Group officers moved through the area.
The firearm has not been found, with the police dog squad also brought in. 9News
“When I saw the SWAT team pull up, I was like, wow, first time,” one neighbour said.
Another local said officers swarmed nearby gardens and told residents to leave the area.
“They came through the garden and said to get out of this area, and more came through,” he said.
No charges have been laid at this stage, and police say there is no wider risk to the community.
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