Individual Arrested Following No Fewer Than 50 Rounds Discharged from Inner West Sydney Residence

A 60-year-old man is now in police custody following a shooting that injured at least one person, multiple individuals harmed and a number of vehicles shot at by a gunman within the inner western suburbs of Sydney.

As many as 100 shots echoed over a two hour window starting at 7:45 PM and ending around 9:30 PM on Sunday within the Croydon Park locality.

Authorities Begin Large-Scale Response

Thoroughfares were blocked and a lockdown was imposed on the area following the start of a significant police operation following accounts a suspect was haphazardly discharging a weapon at motorists, including police cars, moving along Georges River Road.

The tactical police unit was called in to arrest a 60-year-old man from a residence located above a commercial establishment adjacent to the bustling roadway.

Authorities Give Details

Superintendent Stephen Parry in an acting capacity stated to journalists during Sunday evening it was unclear regarding the total number of rounds discharged “though estimates suggest anywhere between 50 and 100 shots which were shot”.

He said several automobiles and properties experienced gunfire and destruction during the incident, however, a fuller account would be available in daylight.

Parry indicated the scene was secured “relatively swiftly” and applauded the involved law enforcement personnel.

“They exhibited extreme levels of bravery in doing what they did,” he told reporters during a press briefing held late at night.

“They faced a barrage of gunfire during several instances and ought to be praised for their actions.”

He did not have confirmation about law enforcement returning fire during the standoff.

Police Commissioner Recounts Alarming Event

The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon remarked law enforcement's wearable cameras demonstrated how near police were to getting shot as they ducked for protection amid the "critical and alarming situation".

“One can hear numerous gunshots, along with definite impacts, in close proximity to the camera,” Lanyon told 2GB radio in Sydney on Monday.

An officer who was fired upon had only been out of the academy just five weeks prior, Lanyon said.

The reason behind the shooting was yet to be determined however, Lanyon indicated there was no known link to acts of terrorism or organized crime.

Harm and Consequences

Paramedics treated sixteen individuals at the location suffering from minor wounds.

• A number sustained injuries by shattered glass after their vehicle windows were shot.
• Some received treatment for shock.

A group of persons were admitted to medical facilities after being treated by paramedics.

A taxi operator who is in his 50s was critically but steadily positioned with wounds to his neck and head.

Rare Event for Sydney

It was a matter of luck that more people weren’t hurt, Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King stated.

“It’s unprecedented for Sydney to witness an occurrence of this kind, featuring a significant quantity of discharged rounds,” he informed radio broadcaster ABC on Monday morning.

“We’re very fortunate that further destruction was avoided and certainly more injuries or indeed fatalities.”

King mentioned it likely was alarming for residents and bystanders and the police who responded.

“To clarify those initial police were fired upon. Law enforcement automobiles incurred harm and we are extremely lucky that no officers sustained injuries.”

Alleged Shooter in Police Custody

The individual in his sixties was held by authorities at Bankstown hospital and was slated for questioning and formally charged on Monday.

Weapons, among them a high-caliber rifle, were seized during his arrest, authorities claimed.

Bystander Account

An individual who witnessed the shooting told the ABC he was passing through and “listened to a series of bangs along the left side of the taxi”.

“And then I looked next to me, and I saw a couple of holes in the window on the passenger side,” he said.

“I was unaware that a hole was also present on the roof. The odor of gunpowder reached me, though I thought since it was the night of the NRL grand final, it might be someone setting off firecrackers or similar.”