Armed Crime Squad detectives have released CCTV of three armed offenders they are looking to identify who forced their way into a Strathmore home and fired several shots at an occupant in April.
Investigators have been told a stolen black Volkswagen Tiguan parked opposite a Term Street property about 1.20am on Friday, 29 April.
Three men wearing balaclavas, two armed with firearms and the other with an axe, exited the vehicle and approached the property.
Several shots were fired into the front door and an adjoining window before the door was repeatedly struck with the axe.
The men entered the property, and several shots were fired in the direction of a male occupant, before the trio fled.
The occupant, a 54-year-old man, wasn’t physically injured during the incident.
Police believe the trio targeted the wrong address in the street.
The Volkswagen was located burnt out at Donnybrook Road in Woodstock about 2.15am, and a white 2018 Mazda 3 hatch was seen leaving the scene of the car fire and heading towards Epping.
Investigators have today released images and CCTV of the men they are looking to identify in the hope someone may recognise them and be able to provide information on their current whereabouts.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has information on the men or the vehicle involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Pengelly, Armed Crime Squad:
“This was a violent incident which was absolutely terrifying for the residents, who are completely innocent parties in this.
“We believe this was a planned and targeted attack that was recklessly executed, with the offenders attending the wrong address and firing shots at innocent persons.
“This indiscriminate use of illicit firearms is unacceptable, and we will continue to use all available methods at our disposal in an effort to reduce the impact illicit firearms have on the community, remove these weapons from the hands of criminals and place offenders before the courts.
“We understand that alliances shift over time – if you have any information on the men or the vehicle in these images, we’re particularly keen to speak to you.
“If there are people out there with information about the incident who are yet to come forward, I’d again appeal to those people to contact police and as always, this can be done anonymously.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has information on any of the men in the images, or dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
