Man Shot Twice in Altona North Amid Illicit Tobacco Trade Suspicions
A 49-year-old man was shot twice in the arm outside a cafe in Altona North, Melbourne, late Tuesday night. The incident, which left him with non-life-threatening injuries, is being investigated by police, who are exploring potential connections to the illicit tobacco trade. A stolen vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting was later found burnt out.
Late-Night Altercation Outside Cafe Squared
The shooting occurred at approximately 11:30 PM on Tuesday outside Cafe Squared, located within a shopping precinct in Altona North. Reports indicate an altercation took place prior to the shooting.
A group of individuals, reported to be 14 people, were seated outside the cafe when a Toyota Hilux approached. Occupants of the vehicle then fired three shots into the group without prior warning.
The 49-year-old man sustained two gunshot wounds to his arm, while a third shot lodged in a nearby vehicle. CCTV footage from the scene shows individuals taking cover, with some entering the cafe through a window and others seeking shelter outside.
The injured man was transported to a hospital, where he remains with non-life-threatening injuries. He is known to authorities.
Stolen Getaway Vehicle Found Burnt Out
The vehicle involved in the shooting, described as a silver or white Toyota Hilux, fled the scene. Hours later, at approximately 2:50 AM, the vehicle was discovered burnt out at the intersection of McArthurs and Chambers roads, approximately 800 meters from the shooting location.
The vehicle had been stolen from Newport last month and was fitted with cloned registration plates.
Two active crime scenes have been established: the cafe and the site where the burnt vehicle was found. The investigation is being led by detectives from both the Armed Crime Squad and the Gang Crime Squad.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from both the shooting location and the area where the vehicle was abandoned.
Illicit Tobacco Trade Connections Under Scrutiny
Authorities are investigating potential links between the shooting and an ongoing conflict involving the illicit tobacco trade. Detective Inspector Graham Banks of the Gang Crime Squad indicated that connections to this trade are suspected, describing the conflict as involving random acts of violence against perceived opposing parties.
Regarding the targeting of the victim, police statements have varied. While some reports suggest investigators believe the incident was targeted, Detective Inspector Banks has stated that it is difficult to determine with certainty if the 49-year-old man was the specific intended victim.
He noted the possibility of the shooting being an indiscriminate act intended to deliver a message, or a targeted attack where the individual was injured incidentally. CCTV footage of the incident has been described as indicating an indiscriminate shooting.
Police are continuing inquiries into the motive behind the attack, including whether it focused on specific individuals or the location itself.
Call for Public Information
Investigators have urged anyone with relevant information regarding the incident to come forward. Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers.