Man Arrested Following a Minimum of 50 Bullets Let Off from Croydon Park Residence

A man in his sixties has been arrested in the aftermath of one individual sustained a gunshot wound, numerous people injured and a number of vehicles shot at by an armed individual in Sydney’s inner west.

An estimated 100 bullets echoed over a two hour window between 7.45pm and 9.30pm on Sunday night in Croydon Park.

Law Enforcement Launch Major Operation

Roads were shut down and a lockdown was imposed on the area as police launched a major operation after reports a man was indiscriminately firing in the direction of passing vehicles, including police cars, moving along Georges River Road.

Specialist police teams was called in to take into custody a 60-year-old man from an apartment situated over a shop along the busy road.

Police Leadership Offer Details

Acting Supt Stephen Parry informed the press on Sunday night precise figures were not available exactly how many shots were fired “but there could have been anywhere between 50 and 100 shots which were shot”.

He stated multiple cars and buildings sustained gunshots and damage during the incident, however, a fuller account was expected to emerge by morning.

Parry said the location was brought under control “relatively swiftly” and commended the participating police.

“They showed remarkable valor by carrying out their duties,” he stated to the press during a press briefing held late at night.

“They were under a barrage of gunfire multiple times and ought to be praised for what they did.”

He did not have confirmation if police discharged their firearms as well throughout the confrontation.

Police Commissioner Describes Alarming Situation

Mal Lanyon, the NSW Police Commissioner said officers' body cameras revealed the proximity of officers to being struck as they ducked for protection during the “serious and terrifying incident”.

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

One of the officers shot at had only been out of the academy five weeks, Lanyon mentioned.

The motivation for the gunfire has not been established but Lanyon said no connection was identified to any terrorism or gang activity.

Casualties and Consequences

Ambulance crews cared for sixteen individuals on site suffering from minor wounds.

• Some were injured due to flying glass fragments after their vehicle windows were shot.
• Some received treatment for shock.

A group of persons were taken to hospital subsequent to emergency medical attention.

A cab driver aged in his fifties was critically but steadily positioned suffering from injuries to his neck and head.

Rare Occurrence for the City

It was a matter of luck that additional individuals were not injured, the acting assistant commissioner Trent King commented.

“Such an event is rare for Sydney to witness an occurrence of this kind, involving such an extensive volume of gunfire,” he told ABC radio during Monday.

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

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

“To clarify the responding police came under gunfire. Law enforcement automobiles incurred harm and we’re very fortunate that no officers sustained injuries.”

Suspect in Custody

The male suspect aged 60 remained in police custody in Bankstown hospital and was due to be interrogated and formally accused on Monday.

Firearms, including a high-calibre rifle, were confiscated at the time of his arrest, law enforcement stated.

Eyewitness Testimony

One eyewitness to the shooting informed the ABC he was driving by and “listened to a series of bangs along the left side of the taxi”.

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

“I was unaware that a hole was also present on the roof. I detected the scent of gunpowder, but I assumed because it was [NRL] grand final night, it might be someone setting off firecrackers or similar.”