Croydon Park, west of inner-city Sydney, turned into a battlefield on the evening of October 5 when a man suddenly fell down and fired dozens of shots onto the street, injuring at least 20 people, including one in critical condition and many damaged homes and vehicles. The suspect, about 60 years old, has been arrested.
According to information from New South Wales Police (Australia), the incident occurred at around 7:45 (local time) on the evening of October 5, after people reported that someone had fired from the window of a house in a residential area.
Police Stephen Parry said the suspect opened fire on vehicles passing by, including police cars. It is still impossible to determine the exact number of shells fired, but it is estimated that between 50 and 100 shells were fired.
At the scene, forensic staff examined the area where a series of cars and houses were hit by bullets. Many vehicles and many houses were damaged by shelling, Parry said.
Previously, the special forces unit was deployed with Bearcat armored vehicles and aerial support helicopters. The painful throbbing sounds of guns and flash-bangs sent the whole neighborhood into panic.
An ABC reporter present at the scene said that at around 9pm, he heard a series of explosions, believed to be the sound of gunfire and explosions from a stunner used by the police to control the suspect.
A witness recounted the horrifying moment. He said that while working in the office, he heard "the sound of firecrackers", and when he stepped outside, he saw the car window and the bus stop broken.
Another person, named Tadgh, said he was watching football when he heard screams outside the court. "At first, I thought it was fireworks, but when I stepped out, I realized that someone was firing. We hid behind the fence but still heard bullets flying like a hut, he said.
It felt scary, everything happened so quickly that I didnt have time to react. At first it was quiet, then suddenly there was a noise of gunshots, lightning, and smoke, like a scene in a film, Tadgh added.
Mr. Parry said that the authorities controlled the scene quite quickly and praised the brave spirit of the officers. They showed extraordinary courage, facing extremely dangerous situations, he said.
The suspect has now been arrested. Police have yet to determine whether any officers fired in response.
The scene is still frozen for investigation, Parry said. It is expected that the appraisal and collection of evidence will continue this morning (October 5).
