Two people hospitalised in western Sydney shooting
Written by admin on October 4, 2024
Two men have been shot by police one day after they allegedly stole a car from the home of a Labor MP.
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown issued a statement on Friday confirming that her home had been broken into and her husband’s car had been stolen, which she reported to police.
Officers were called to a Lane Street unit block in Wentworthville about 12.10pm on Friday following reports a stolen car was at the location.
The stolen car was allegedly driven towards officers when they arrived in the underground carpark of the unit block.
Police then discharged their firearms and injured two men who were inside the stolen car.
Officers immediately gave first aid treatment until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.
Both men were taken to Westmead Hospital, with one of the men in critical condition, while the other is in a serious but stable condition.
The officers weren’t physically injured in the incident.
Acting assistant commissioner Paul Dunstan told reporters the car had been stolen during an aggravated break and enter from a home in Leonay in the early hours of Friday morning.
He said keys were taken from inside the house and the vehicle was stolen, but it was able to be located by the owner through an in-vehicle tracker.
“The owner used this to direct police to this location,” he said.
The acting assistant commissioner said when police arrived at the vehicle’s location, the driver immediately accelerated towards the officers.
As a result, he said they drew their firearms and fired a number of shots, which hit two people inside the car.
“A male received gunshot wounds to the neck area, and a second male in the passenger seat received gunshot wounds to the leg and thigh area,” he said.
He said the shooting had been declared a critical incident and would be investigated by the Homicide Squad over the coming days.
He told reporters three officers including a sergeant and junior constable were involved in the shooting and were all wearing body cameras at the time of the incident.
“They are doing okay and receiving welfare and the appropriate attention from the organisation,” he said.
The assistant commissioner said Ms McKeown and her husband were home at the time of the burglary but were unaware what had taken place.
He said they were currently making a statement and assisting police with their inquiries.
Ms McKeown said while she was shaken by the events that unfolded, she was thankfully unharmed.
“I want to thank NSW Police, in particular the local area command at both Penrith and Cumberland Police for their prompt response,” she said.
“Political leaders often praise police for their bravery.
“Today, I have had a first-hand experience of this.
“I won’t be making any further comments at this time.”
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A critical incident team from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad is set to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the assistance of South West Metropolitan Region.
The investigation will also be subject to an independent review.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
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