Suspect Taken into Custody Following at Least 50 Bullets Let Off from Croydon Park Residence

A 60-year-old man was taken into custody in the aftermath of one individual sustained a gunshot wound, numerous people injured and several automobiles targeted by gunfire by a gunman in the Croydon Park area.

An estimated 100 shots rang out during a two-hour period starting at 7:45 PM and ending around 9:30 PM on Sunday within the Croydon Park locality.

Police Initiate Major Operation

Thoroughfares were blocked and a lockdown was imposed on the area following the start of a significant police operation after reports an individual was randomly shooting in the direction of passing vehicles, including police cars, driving on the Georges River Road route.

The tactical operations squad were summoned to detain a 60-year-old man from a residence located above a commercial establishment along the busy road.

Officials Offer Details

Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry stated to journalists on Sunday night it was unclear regarding the total number of rounds discharged “however, it's possible there were somewhere from 50 to 100 rounds that were fired”.

He stated multiple cars and buildings were hit by bullets and incurred damage throughout the event, however, a fuller account would be available in daylight.

Parry stated the scene was secured “promptly” and applauded the involved law enforcement personnel.

“They demonstrated extreme levels of bravery in doing what they did,” he stated to the press at a news conference convened in the evening.

“They were under swift shooting during several instances and deserve full recognition for their actions.”

He could not verify whether officers also fired their weapons in the course of the incident.

Police Commissioner Details Alarming Incident

The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon stated law enforcement's wearable cameras demonstrated how close officers came to being hit as they ducked for protection during the “serious and terrifying incident”.

“It's possible to hear a multitude of firearm discharges, along with definite impacts, not too far from the camera,” Lanyon stated to radio station 2GB in Sydney on Monday.

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

The motivation for the gunfire has not been established however, Lanyon indicated no connection was identified with terrorist or gang-related actions.

Harm and Fallout

Ambulance crews cared for 16 people at the location for minor injuries.

• A number sustained injuries from broken glass after their vehicle windows were shot.
• Others were treated for shock.

A number of people were transported to the hospital subsequent to emergency medical attention.

A taxi operator in his 50s was critically but steadily positioned with wounds to his neck and head.

Unprecedented Incident for the City

It was a matter of luck that further casualties were avoided, the acting assistant commissioner Trent King said.

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

“We are extremely lucky that we didn’t have more damage and certainly more injuries or indeed fatalities.”

King stated it must have been frightening for the general public and responding police officers.

“To clarify the responding police came under gunfire. Law enforcement automobiles incurred harm and we are extremely lucky that all police emerged unharmed.”

Suspect in Custody

The male suspect aged 60 was held by authorities at Bankstown hospital and was due to be interrogated and officially charged during Monday.

Weapons, among them a high-caliber rifle, were confiscated at the time of his arrest, authorities claimed.

Witness Account

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

“Then, I observed adjacent to me, and I noticed several holes through the window right next to – on the passenger side,” he stated.

“I was unaware there was actually a hole on the roof as well. And I smelled the gunpowder, though I thought as it coincided with the NRL grand final evening, [it was] somebody throwing firecrackers or something.”