Man Taken into Custody After a Minimum of 50 Shots Let Off from Croydon Park Unit

A man in his sixties has been arrested following one individual sustained a gunshot wound, multiple individuals harmed and multiple cars fired upon by a gunman in Sydney’s inner west.

Up to 100 bullets were fired across a span of two hours between 7.45pm and 9.30pm on Sunday night in Croydon Park.

Authorities Launch Major Operation

Thoroughfares were blocked and the vicinity was secured under lockdown following the start of a significant police operation after reports a suspect was haphazardly discharging a weapon at motorists, including police cars, moving along Georges River Road.

The tactical police unit were summoned to take into custody the male suspect aged 60 from an apartment situated over a shop on the heavily trafficked street.

Police Leadership Give Information

Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry stated to journalists during Sunday evening it was unclear about the precise count of bullets let off “though estimates suggest in the range of 50 to 100 bullets that have been discharged”.

He said several automobiles and properties sustained gunshots and damage during the incident, but a clearer picture was expected to emerge by morning.

Parry stated the area was made safe “fairly quickly” and applauded the involved law enforcement personnel.

“They exhibited exceptional courage through their actions,” he stated to the press during a press briefing held late at night.

“They encountered rapid fire gun shots on a number of occasions and ought to be praised for what they did.”

He could not verify if police discharged their firearms as well during the standoff.

Police Commissioner Details Alarming Event

The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon stated body-worn cameras from police showed the proximity of officers to being struck as they took cover throughout the "grave and frightening event".

“You can hear many shots, and clear strikes, nearby the recording device,” Lanyon informed Sydney radio 2GB on Monday morning.

One of the officers shot at was a recent academy graduate for five weeks, Lanyon mentioned.

The reason behind the shooting was yet to be determined though Lanyon stated there was no known link with terrorist or gang-related actions.

Injuries and Aftermath

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

• Some were injured from broken glass after their vehicle windows were shot.
• A few were attended to for shock.

A number of people were admitted to medical facilities after being treated by paramedics.

A cab driver who is in his 50s was in a serious but stable condition having sustained harm to his neck and head area.

Unprecedented Occurrence for the Region

Fortune played a role that further casualties were avoided, the acting assistant commissioner Trent King stated.

“It’s unprecedented for Sydney to experience an incident of this nature, involving such an extensive volume of gunfire,” he informed ABC radio on Monday.

“It is very fortunate that additional harm was prevented and undoubtedly more injuries or even deaths.”

King said it must have been frightening for residents and bystanders and the police who responded.

“To clarify the first officers on scene were shot at. Law enforcement automobiles incurred harm and we are extremely lucky that all police emerged unharmed.”

Suspect in Custody

The individual in his sixties remained in police custody within a Bankstown medical facility and was slated for questioning and officially charged during Monday.

Weapons, among them a high-caliber rifle, were taken into custody upon his detention, police alleged.

Eyewitness Account

An individual who witnessed the shooting informed the ABC he was traveling nearby and “detected multiple banging sounds on the left side of the car, the taxi”.

“Then, I observed adjacent to me, and I saw a couple of 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 because it was [NRL] grand final night, it might be someone setting off firecrackers or similar.”