Suspect Taken into Custody Following No Fewer Than 50 Bullets Discharged from Sydney Residence

A male suspect aged 60 was taken into custody following at least one person was shot, several persons wounded and multiple cars fired upon by an armed individual in Sydney’s inner west.

As many as 100 rounds rang out over a two hour window between 7.45pm and 9.30pm on Sunday night within the Croydon Park locality.

Authorities Initiate Large-Scale Response

Thoroughfares were blocked and the vicinity was secured under lockdown as police launched a major operation after reports an individual was randomly shooting in the direction of passing vehicles, encompassing law enforcement automobiles, moving along Georges River Road.

The tactical operations squad was called in to take into custody a 60-year-old man from a residence located above a commercial establishment adjacent to the bustling roadway.

Authorities Offer Details

Acting Supt Stephen Parry told reporters on Sunday night precise figures were not available exactly how many shots were fired “though estimates suggest in the range of 50 to 100 bullets which were shot”.

He said numerous vehicles and premises experienced gunfire and destruction during the incident, though a more detailed understanding could be obtained during daylight hours.

Parry said the scene was secured “fairly quickly” and applauded the involved law enforcement personnel.

“They demonstrated exceptional courage through their actions,” he informed the media in a late-night press conference.

“They were under rapid fire gun shots during several instances and deserve full recognition for their actions.”

He could not verify if police discharged their firearms as well during the standoff.

Top Officer Details Alarming Incident

The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon stated body-worn cameras from police revealed how near police were to getting shot as they ducked for protection during the “serious and terrifying incident”.

“It's possible to hear many shots, and certainly impact, in close proximity to the camera,” Lanyon stated to radio station 2GB in Sydney on Monday.

One of the officers shot at had just graduated from the academy just five weeks prior, Lanyon mentioned.

A motive for the shooting remains under investigation though Lanyon stated no connection was identified to acts of terrorism or organized crime.

Casualties and Consequences

Paramedics treated 16 people at the scene for minor injuries.

• A number sustained injuries from broken glass as their windows were hit by the bullets.
• Some received treatment for shock.

A group of persons were transported to the hospital after being treated by paramedics.

A taxi operator in his 50s was critically but steadily positioned suffering from injuries to his neck and head.

Exceptional Incident for Sydney

Fortune played a role that more people weren’t hurt, Trent King, the acting assistant commissioner said.

“It’s unprecedented for Sydney to witness an occurrence of this kind, with such a large number of shots fired,” he told radio broadcaster ABC on Monday morning.

“It is very fortunate that additional harm was prevented and clearly further casualties or potentially deaths.”

King stated it would have been terrifying for the general public and the police who responded.

“To clarify those initial police were fired upon. Our police cars have been damaged and we are extremely lucky that no police have been injured.”

Alleged Shooter in Police Custody

The individual in his sixties remained in police custody at Bankstown hospital and was expected to be questioned and formally accused on Monday.

Guns, such as a large-caliber rifle, were taken into custody upon his detention, law enforcement stated.

Witness Account

A person present during the gunfire reported to the ABC he was passing through and “heard a bang, bang, bang on the taxi's left flank”.

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

“I was unaware there was actually a hole on the roof as well. The odor of gunpowder reached me, however, I presumed as it coincided with the NRL grand final evening, perhaps individuals were lighting firecrackers or the like.”