By Ewen McRae
Police are hoping the release of images and vision associated with a shooting in Melton last year will lead to an arrest.
The images of a blood-soaked man in a Melton service station were released this morning, along with footage of a vehicle that police are trying to locate following the man being shot in the face on November 30.
The man, who is aged in his 40s, was driving two female friends home about 12.30am on the night of the shooting.
After dropping one of the women off in Melton West, a number of shots were fired from a second car into the victim’s red sedan in the vicinity of Linlithgow Way.
The victim was then followed to Centenary and Coburns roads, where he was shot at again, one of these shots struck the victim in the face.
His remaining passenger, a 21-year-old woman, was not injured and managed to call triple-0.
The victim drove to a service station in Sherwin Court, Melton and was able to seek medical assistance.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remained in an induced coma for several days. He still requires ongoing medical treatment.
Police have been told that the offenders’ vehicle followed the victim’s car for some way and was possibly a white HSV club sport.
One of the male suspects is perceived as being Caucasian, wearing all black and was armed with a baseball bat and longarm firearm.
Officer in charge of the Armed Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, said the victim was lucky to be alive.
“The difference between investigating a homicide or a non-fatal shooting has only been millimetres,” he said.
“The victim will likely take a significant amount of time to recover from his injuries and he’s lucky to still be alive.
“It’s also incredibly fortunate that his passenger wasn’t injured and was able to contact emergency services for help.
“We’re very keen to speak to anyone who might have witnessed the incident or the offender’s vehicle on the night, or who may know the identity of the offender/s.”
Detectives have released CCTV footage of this vehicle following the victim’s car and are keen to speak to anyone who might be able to identify the vehicle.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
