Detectives from the Echo Taskforce are today releasing CCTV as part of their investigation into the non-fatal shooting of a senior member of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) in Ballarat last year.
Police became aware of the incident after the 29-year-old Sebastopol man was dropped at a Ballarat hospital about 1.20am on Sunday, 1 October.
He had sustained non life threatening injuries to his upper body.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being determined, investigators believe it occurred in the vicinity of the Bandidos clubhouse on Greenbank Court in Delacome.
Police attended the clubhouse the morning after the shooting and a significant search of the area was undertaken.
Detectives are looking at whether the shooting occurred as a result of an internal dispute within the club or if it was motivated by ongoing issues with another OMCG.
The incident occurred on a weekend when the Bandidos OMCG had travelled to Ballarat for their national run.
Police are today releasing CCTV footage showing a light coloured Holden Commodore which police believe is linked to the shooting.
Detectives are hoping someone may be able to identify the vehicle or provide information on it’s current whereabouts.
Investigators are also keen to speak to anyone who may have information about the shooting and who is responsible, or what the motivation was.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Mick Daly, Echo Taskforce:
“This was a deliberately violent incident which could have resulted in the death of a man. We say it often that only centimetres will sometimes decide if someone lives or dies when illicit firearms are involved.
“We believe it was targeted at the victim, however we are still working through whether this was as a result of an internal dispute within the Bandidos or some kind of disagreement with another club.
“There will be people out there who know the reason for the shooting and if they don’t know who was directly involved, then they will have their suspicions.
“We are keen to speak to these people and as always, this information can be provided anonymously.
“We are also interested in speaking to anyone who may have information about the vehicle believed to be involved, including who may own it and it’s current whereabouts.
“This shooting was a reckless incident with seemingly no regard for the safety of anyone else, and we’re lucky more people weren’t impacted.”
