A dramatic scene unfolded in Melbourne’s south-west as CCTV footage captured a large group of men scrambling for safety when gunfire erupted outside a cafe late last night. The incident, which took place around 11:30 pm at Borrack Square in Altona North, is believed by police to be linked to illicit tobacco dealings.
Witnesses reported that a white Toyota Hilux approached the area where several individuals were seated at the Cafe Squared, and shots were suddenly fired into the gathering. The surveillance video reveals the chaos as the men frantically sought refuge inside the building.
Among the victims was a 49-year-old man who suffered two gunshot wounds to the arm. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening, and he was promptly transported to the hospital for treatment.
The perpetrators made their escape in a stolen silver Hilux with falsified plates. This vehicle had been reported stolen from a residence in Newport back in February.
A 49-year-old man, who was shot twice in the arm, and was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Those involved fled the scene in a stolen silver Hilux with cloned plates, which was stolen from a Newport home in February.
Hours later, about 2.50am, the offenders torched the car and left it burning at the intersection of McArthurs and Chambers roads, about 800 metres from where the shooting took place.
The victim is known to police, but authorities are unsure whether he was the intended target.
“It may well be just a random shooting of that crowd of people to send a message,” Detective Inspector Graham Banks said.
“The conflict we see at the moment is seeing random acts of violence that are directed at people who they perceive are opposing people.
“At this stage we’re not ruling anything in or out as far as what the motive would be, as far as the people who were there or the location itself.”
Witnesses told 9News they have no connections to the illicit tobacco trade.
A crime scene was established and the investigation was ongoing, Victoria Police said.
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