Suspect Arrested In the Wake of at Least 50 Shots Let Off from Croydon Park Residence

A male suspect aged 60 is now in police custody after one individual sustained a gunshot wound, multiple individuals harmed and several automobiles targeted by gunfire by a gunman within the inner western suburbs of Sydney.

As many as 100 rounds echoed over a two hour window between 7.45pm and 9.30pm on Sunday night in Croydon Park.

Police Begin Large-Scale Response

Roads were shut down and the vicinity was secured under lockdown after authorities initiated a large-scale response following accounts a suspect was haphazardly discharging a weapon in the direction of passing vehicles, encompassing law enforcement automobiles, moving along Georges River Road.

The tactical operations squad were deployed to detain the male suspect aged 60 from a residence located above a commercial establishment along the busy road.

Officials Provide Information

Acting Supt Stephen Parry informed the press on Sunday night the exact number was uncertain about the precise count of bullets let off “but there could have been anywhere between 50 and 100 shots that were fired”.

He said several automobiles and properties sustained gunshots and damage throughout the event, however, a fuller account would be available in daylight.

Parry stated the area was made safe “relatively swiftly” and commended the participating police.

“They showed exceptional courage through their actions,” he stated to the press in a late-night press conference.

“They faced 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 in the course of the incident.

Police Commissioner Describes Frightening Event

Mal Lanyon, the NSW Police Commissioner stated officers' body cameras revealed how near police were to getting shot while they sought shelter throughout the "grave and frightening event".

“One can hear a multitude of firearm discharges, along with definite impacts, not too far from the camera,” Lanyon informed 2GB radio in Sydney on Monday morning.

A police member targeted by gunfire had just graduated from the academy five weeks, Lanyon mentioned.

A motive for the shooting was yet to be determined but Lanyon said no association was found with terrorist or gang-related actions.

Casualties and Consequences

Ambulance crews cared for 16 people on site suffering from minor wounds.

• Some were injured by shattered glass when their windows were struck by bullets.
• A few were attended to for shock.

Several individuals were admitted to medical facilities subsequent to emergency medical attention.

A taxi driver who is in his 50s remained in serious yet stable condition having sustained harm to his neck and head area.

Rare Occurrence for the Region

It was a matter of luck that more people weren’t hurt, Trent King, the acting assistant commissioner stated.

“It’s unprecedented for Sydney to have something like this, featuring a significant quantity of discharged rounds,” he told ABC radio during Monday.

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

King mentioned it must have been frightening for the community and the police who responded.

“It can be stated that the first officers on scene were shot at. Law enforcement automobiles incurred harm and it is very fortunate that all police emerged unharmed.”

Arrested Individual in Custody

The male suspect aged 60 was held by authorities within a Bankstown medical facility and was slated for questioning and formally charged on Monday.

Guns, such as a large-caliber rifle, were confiscated at the time of his arrest, law enforcement stated.

Eyewitness Report

A person present during the gunfire reported to the ABC he was traveling nearby and “detected multiple banging sounds on the taxi's left flank”.

“And then I looked next to me, and I spotted a few openings in the window on the passenger side,” he mentioned.

“I was unaware there was actually a hole on the roof as well. 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.”