Police are investigating a carjacking in Devonport and a firearm discharge in Latrobe yesterday, which have been determined to be linked.
Around 3.25pm a man driving a black 2003 Mazda MX5 (with white wheels and Victorian registration 1VX4DA) on Victoria Street was approached by what was reported to be a man armed with a firearm.
The victim was struck over the head with the firearm and the offender fled the area in the vehicle. The victim received minor injuries.
Around 3.40pm, police received a report of a loud bangs in the area of Reibey Street at Latrobe. Police attended and determined a firearm had been discharged towards a residence. Subsequent investigations determined the firearm had been discharged from the vehicle which had been stolen shortly prior.
A significant police search was undertaken, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, for the vehicle and offender.
At this stage, the vehicle and offender have not been located.
Police are following a specific line of enquiry and believe the second incident was targeted and between people known to each other.
The offender is described as a man around 40-years old, around 178cm tall, skinny with pale complexion, a long gaunt face and goatee beard.
Acting Detective Inspector Alex Bonde said, “These incidents will understandably be concerning to the community.”
“Police take every firearm incident in our community seriously and a thorough investigation is being undertaken to locate the offender involved.”
“I ask anyone with information that would assist our investigation to come forward and contact us.”
“Specifically, if anyone has dashcam footage of the black Mazda MX5 travelling between Devonport and Sassafras or in the Latrobe area between 3:25pm and 4:00pm yesterday please contact police.”
Information can be provided to police on 131 444 or through crimestopperstas.com.au which can be done anonymously.
