Individual Detained In the Wake of a Minimum of 50 Shots Fired from Inner West Sydney Residence

A male suspect aged 60 was taken into custody after at least one person was shot, numerous people injured and several automobiles targeted by gunfire by an armed individual in the Croydon Park area.

As many as 100 rounds echoed over a two hour window starting at 7:45 PM and ending around 9:30 PM on Sunday in Croydon Park.

Law Enforcement Begin Large-Scale Response

Streets were closed and a lockdown was imposed on the area as police launched a major operation after reports an individual was randomly shooting at motorists, including police cars, driving on the Georges River Road route.

The tactical police unit were deployed to detain the male suspect aged 60 from an apartment situated over a shop on the heavily trafficked street.

Officials Provide Information

Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry told reporters 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 stated numerous vehicles and premises were hit by bullets and incurred damage throughout the event, though a more detailed understanding was expected to emerge by morning.

Parry stated the scene was secured “promptly” and commended the participating police.

“They showed extreme levels of bravery by carrying out their duties,” he stated to the press in a late-night press conference.

“They encountered swift shooting during several instances and deserve full recognition due to their conduct.”

He was unable to confirm whether officers also fired their weapons in the course of the incident.

Top Officer Recounts Alarming Event

The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon said officers' body cameras revealed the proximity of officers to being struck while they sought shelter amid the "critical and alarming situation".

“One can hear a multitude of firearm discharges, and certainly impact, in close proximity to the camera,” Lanyon stated to radio station 2GB in Sydney during Monday.

An officer who was fired upon was a recent academy graduate for five weeks, Lanyon noted.

The motivation for the gunfire remains under investigation though Lanyon stated there was no known link to any terrorism or gang activity.

Injuries and Fallout

Emergency medical personnel attended to sixteen individuals at the scene for minor injuries.

• A number sustained injuries by shattered glass as their windows were hit by the bullets.
• Some received treatment for shock.

A group of persons were admitted to medical facilities following care from ambulance crews.

A cab driver aged in his fifties was in a serious but stable condition with wounds to his neck and head.

Exceptional Incident for the City

It was a matter of luck that more people weren’t hurt, Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King stated.

“Such an event is rare for Sydney to witness an occurrence of this kind, featuring a significant quantity of discharged rounds,” he stated to the ABC radio station on Monday.

“We’re very fortunate that further destruction was avoided and certainly more injuries or indeed fatalities.”

King said it likely was alarming for the community and the police who responded.

“What I can say is the responding police came under gunfire. Our police cars have been damaged and we are extremely lucky that all police emerged unharmed.”

Suspect in Police Custody

The 60-year-old man remained in police custody within a Bankstown medical facility and was due to be interrogated and formally charged on Monday.

Firearms, including a high-calibre rifle, were taken into custody upon his detention, authorities claimed.

Witness Report

An individual who witnessed the shooting reported to the ABC he was passing through and “detected multiple banging sounds along the left side of the taxi”.

“And then I looked next to me, and I saw a couple of holes through the window right next to – on the passenger side,” he mentioned.

“It escaped my notice that the roof had a hole too. The odor of gunpowder reached me, but I assumed since it was the night of the NRL grand final, [it was] somebody throwing firecrackers or something.”