By Ewen McRae
A reward is being offered for information on a non-fatal shooting that occurred in Melton nearly two years ago.
Police last week announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the shooter or shooters involved in an incident on November 30, 2018.
The victim, aged 42 at the time, was driving two female friends’ home about 12.30am. After dropping one of the women off in Melton West, several 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 called triple-0.
The victim sought refuge at a service station in Sherwin Court, Melton and was able to seek medical assistance before he was taken to hospital with serious injuries where he remained in an induced coma for several days.
Police have been told that the offenders’ vehicle followed the victim’s car for some way and was possibly a white HSV club sport.
A 32-year-old Melton West man was arrested in June last year and charged with a number of firearms offences, however he was not charged in relation to the shooting.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said he hoped the reward would re-ignite the investigation.
“We have hit a roadblock in this investigation, and we are hoping this reward will entice someone who has crucial information to come forward and enable us to solve this crime,” he said.
“The victim in this matter was millimetres from sustaining fatal wounds and we want to get these people off the streets.
“He is still recovering from his injuries and will continue to do so for some time. We need to find answers for him as there is no reason this man was the target of a shooting.
“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.”
The reward will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, and will be subject to the applicant signing a deed of confidentiality prior to payment.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
