Suspect Taken into Custody In the Wake of No Fewer Than 50 Rounds Let Off from Croydon Park Unit

A male suspect aged 60 was taken into custody in the aftermath of one individual sustained a gunshot wound, multiple individuals harmed and multiple cars fired upon by an armed individual in the Croydon Park area.

An estimated 100 shots rang out over a two hour window starting at 7:45 PM and ending around 9:30 PM on Sunday in Croydon Park.

Police Begin Major Operation

Streets were closed and a lockdown was imposed on the area after authorities initiated a large-scale response after reports a man was indiscriminately firing at motorists, including police cars, travelling along Georges River Road.

Specialist police teams were summoned to detain an individual in his sixties from an apartment situated over a shop adjacent to the bustling roadway.

Authorities Give An Account

Acting Supt Stephen Parry stated to journalists on Sunday night precise figures were not available about the precise count of bullets let off “but there could have been somewhere from 50 to 100 rounds that were fired”.

He mentioned numerous vehicles and premises experienced gunfire and destruction throughout the event, though a more detailed understanding could be obtained during daylight hours.

Parry stated the area was made safe “fairly quickly” and commended the participating police.

“They demonstrated remarkable valor in doing what they did,” he stated to the press at a news conference convened in the evening.

“They encountered a barrage of gunfire on a number of occasions and ought to be praised for what they did.”

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

Top Officer Details Alarming Event

Mal Lanyon, the NSW Police Commissioner stated body-worn cameras from police revealed how near police were to getting shot 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 informed 2GB radio in Sydney during Monday.

A police member targeted by gunfire was a recent academy graduate five weeks, Lanyon noted.

A motive for the shooting remains under investigation but Lanyon said no association was found with terrorist or gang-related actions.

Casualties and Consequences

Emergency medical personnel attended to a group of 16 persons on site with non-life-threatening harm.

• Some were injured by shattered glass as their windows were hit by the bullets.
• Some received treatment for shock.

A number of people were transported to the hospital following care from ambulance crews.

A taxi driver in his 50s was in a serious but stable condition with wounds to his neck and head.

Unprecedented Incident for Sydney

It was a matter of luck that further casualties were avoided, Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King commented.

“This is unheard of in Sydney to witness an occurrence of this kind, with such a large number of shots fired,” he informed radio broadcaster ABC on Monday morning.

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

King said it would have been terrifying for residents and bystanders as well as for the attending law enforcement.

“It can be stated that those initial police were fired upon. Our police cars have been damaged and we are extremely lucky that all police emerged unharmed.”

Alleged Shooter in Police Custody

The male suspect aged 60 was held by authorities in Bankstown hospital and was expected to be questioned and officially charged during Monday.

Guns, such as a large-caliber rifle, were confiscated at the time of his arrest, authorities claimed.

Bystander Report

An individual who witnessed the shooting informed the ABC he was traveling nearby and “listened to a series of bangs on the taxi's left flank”.

“Then, I observed adjacent to me, and I noticed several holes on the passenger-side window,” he said.

“And I didn’t realise that a hole was also present on the roof. And I smelled the gunpowder, however, I presumed because it was [NRL] grand final night, it might be someone setting off firecrackers or similar.”