BIggest Mistake of Their Lives? Police Hunt for Gunmen Who Fired Shots at Wrong Homes in Sydney’s Southwest, Leaving Residents Shaken
- Two homes in Prestons and West Hoxton were targeted in a matter of minutes, with bullets fired into the properties
- Police say the shootings may be cases of mistaken identity, with the previous occupants of the homes being investigated
- No one was injured, but residents are left shaken, with Superintendent Scott Tanner saying the incidents are “highly concerning” and “reckless”
In a shocking display of reckless violence, two homes in Sydney’s southwest were targeted by gunmen who fired shots into the properties, leaving residents shaken and police hunting for those responsible.
The first incident occurred at around 1 am on Bluegum Ave in Prestons, where a man got out of a car and fired three shots into a home. The car then fled the scene and drove to Greenway Dr in West Hoxton, where a further three shots were fired into another home about 20 minutes later.
Miraculously, no one was injured in either incident, but Superintendent Scott Tanner said one of the shots fired into the Prestons home narrowly missed a resident. “The gentleman in Prestons is very fortunate that he wasn’t … hit last night, so we are taking it very seriously,” Tanner said.
Police believe the shootings may be cases of mistaken identity, with the previous occupants of the homes being investigated. “At this stage, there’s nothing to indicate that they are known to us,” Tanner said. “We are checking the backgrounds of the previous occupants of both homes.”
The residents of both homes had only lived there a short time, and police are still looking into their backgrounds. “I’ve just come from the scene myself and spoke with one of the victims, and they’re having quite a difficult time to understand what’s happened,” Tanner said.
The incidents come just a day after two public place shootings in Cabramatta and Green Valley, which saw shots fired and cars set alight. While police say there is no indication these shootings are linked to the incidents on Friday, they admit the MO is similar.
Tanner urged anyone with any information to come forward, saying someone out there knows who is responsible. “Come forward,” he said. “Tell us and we’ll stop it.”
A strong police presence will remain in the area as investigations continue, with police determined to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.