Australian police are preparing to interview a man accused of firing dozens of rounds from a Sydney apartment window late Sunday, critically injuring one person and wounding another in what authorities described as a “random and shocking” shooting incident.
The 45-year-old suspect allegedly opened fire with a .30-calibre rifle from an apartment in Croydon Park, an inner-west suburb of Sydney, around 9 p.m. local time, sending residents scrambling for cover.
Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry of New South Wales Police said the gunman fired up to 50 shots before officers subdued and arrested him without further casualties.
“It is incredible that nobody died,” Parry told reporters at a press briefing broadcast by the ABC. “At this stage, we have no indication of links to organised crime or terrorism.”
Police said two people were taken to hospital, including one who underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition. Ambulance crews treated 14 others at the scene for shock and minor injuries.
The suspect, who has had minimal contact with police over the past two decades, was being evaluated overnight for physical and mental health issues before being cleared to return to custody on Monday morning.
“He has no recorded mental health history with us,” Parry noted, adding that the man is expected to face multiple firearms-related charges.
Investigators are now working to determine what motivated the attack. “At this point, there is nothing to suggest any terror or religious motives,” a police spokesperson told Reuters.
The incident, which left bullet holes across nearby buildings and shattered windows, has rattled Croydon Park residents, many of whom were forced to shelter indoors as police locked down the area.
Authorities praised local officers for their swift response, which likely prevented further tragedy.
“This was an extremely dangerous and volatile situation,” Parry said. “The actions of first responders ensured more lives weren’t lost.”
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
