Overview of the Croydon Park shooting incident
A 60-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a chaotic gun attack in Sydney’s inner west, where authorities say as many as 50 to 100 shots were discharged over a two-hour window on Sunday night. The violence, which unfolded along Georges River Road in Croydon Park, injured bystanders, damaged vehicles and buildings, and prompted a major police operation and lockdown in the area.
Authorities have described the incident as unprecedented for Sydney in terms of the volume of gunfire. Police say the suspect fired indiscriminately at motorists, including police vehicles, as he moved along a busy stretch of road during the early evening hours.
What happened and how police responded
According to Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry, officers believe the shots were fired over a roughly two-hour period from about 7:45pm to 9:30pm. He noted that the exact number of shots is still being assessed, but confirmed that the scene involved a high level of sustained gunfire and widespread damage to vehicles and property.
Local and state police quickly established a major operation, with the Tactical Police Unit converging on a unit above a business on Georges River Road where the suspect was apprehended. Parry commended the officers for their bravery during the incident, which included moments of rapid gunfire aimed at responding units. He stated that the scene was secured fairly quickly, and that authorities would provide a clearer account once daylight allowed for a fuller assessment.
Impact on the community and injuries sustained
Paramedics treated 16 people at the scene for minor injuries, including those wounded by shattered glass and others who suffered shock. Two patients were taken to hospital, with a taxi driver in his 50s listed in a serious but stable condition after sustaining wounds to the neck and head. He was later transferred to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for further treatment.
Witnesses described the atmosphere near Croydon Park as chaotic and terrifying. One eyewitness told the ABC that he heard multiple bangs as he drove by, later discovering holes in a taxi window and even a hole in the roof of the vehicle. The fear was amplified by the fact that police cars were part of the shooting sequence, underscoring the potential danger to first responders and civilians alike.
Possible motives and ongoing investigations
Police have said there is no confirmed link to terrorism or gang activity at this stage, and the motive remains under investigation. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon noted that body-worn camera footage showed officers taking cover under fire, with shots heard in close proximity to the officers. The commissioner also emphasized that one officer had only recently completed training, underscoring the risks faced by front-line personnel during the operation.
Authorities confirmed that firearms, including a high-calibre rifle, were seized during the arrest. The 60-year-old man is in police custody at Bankstown Hospital and is expected to be questioned and formally charged on Monday.
Statements from police and the public safety message
Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King described the event as unprecedented for Sydney in terms of the sheer number of shots fired. He stressed that the police response prioritized public safety and noted that while the attack caused property damage and injuries, the overall outcome could have been far worse. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any information tied to the incident to authorities.
What comes next
With the suspect in custody and the investigation ongoing, investigators will review security footage, gather eyewitness accounts, and examine ballistic evidence to determine a clear sequence of events and the motive behind the shooting. As the region recovers, residents can expect ongoing police patrols and a continued focus on public safety in Croydon Park and surrounding areas.
Key takeaways
- 55–100 shots fired over about two hours in a residential-commercial corridor.
- Sixteen people treated at the scene; two hospitalized with serious injuries.
- A 60-year-old man arrested; firearms seized, including a high-calibre rifle.
- No confirmed terrorism or gang links at this stage; motive under investigation.
