Bombshell development in hunt for gunman after suspected gang war shooting which left a teen fighting for life
Detectives have made a major breakthrough in a Melbourne shooting allegedly linked to an escalating gang street war.
Detectives have made a major breakthrough in a Melbourne shooting allegedly linked to an escalating gang street war.
A 19-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged following an ongoing investigation into the brazen targeted shooting in Collingwood on January 24.
The man was remanded in custody on Tuesday after he was charged with intentionally cause serious injury, recklessly cause serious injury and car theft.
He was arrested after police executed search warrants at homes in Narre Warren and Hallam in Melbournes south-east.
The charges are linked to two teenagers who were shot near a Collingwood public housing estate just after midnight on January 24.
Police had probed if the shootings were gang-related and linked to previous suspected murders.
A 17-year-old boy was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries while a 15-year-old checked himself into hospital following the incidents which occurred near the bustling Smith and Brunswick St precincts.
Police swarmed the scene after reports up to 50 people were brawling prior to the shootings, which investigators say were linked.
A man has been charged over a shooting in Collingwood (crime scene pictured) on January 24
Victoria Police State Anti-Gang Squad detective Superintendent Jason Kelly (pictured) said it was sheer luck the homicide squad werent investigating
Detectives also believe a mass brawl erupted on nearby Hoddle St.
Victoria Police State Anti-Gang Squad detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said it was sheer luck that the homicide squad werent investigating.
Its very lucky that 17-year-old is still alive, Supt Kelly said hours after the shootings.
The specific motivation has not yet been established and remains unclear [but] investigators from the armed crime squad will keep an open mind.
The incident is very concerning, we have two young children, shot in a public street in Melbourne.
Its certainly of great concern to Victoria Police and we will leave no stone unturned to investigate this matter.
Its certainly concerning when a firearm is used in a public place, its really only luck that has prevented two people from being killed and the fact the homicide squad is not involved, is pure luck.
Supt Kelly also said an avenue of enquiry was whether the shootings were gang-related.
A police investigation into the Collingwood shooting remains ongoing
Blood found at the scene of the January 24 shootings
Whether theres any recent conflicts that may have occurred, often these incidents occur when other incidents have occurred, he said.
Supt Kelly did not rule out the possibility the shootings were a drive-by.
Nor did he rule out any possible link to recent suspected gang-related murders in Wyndham Vale and North Melbourne.
When we have children being shot and potentially being shot by other children Victoria Police will leave no stone unturned, he said at the time.
Its an extremely concerning incident and we will continue to investigate and get to the bottom of this matter. Its just unacceptable.
We suspect the large group who had congregated there were known to each other.
Its too early to say what the linkages are but we will get to the bottom of this. Those offenders will be arrested, held to account and put before the courts.
It can only be described as a horrific incident. We will continue to pursue those responsible.
The Collinwood shootings unfolded less than a fortnight after Lino Atem, 24, was allegedly ambushed by at least a dozen males and stabbed to death with a machete at Wyndham Vale on January 13.
Lino Atem (pictured) was allegedly ambushed by at least a dozen males and stabbed to death less than two weeks before the Collingwood shootings. Police are yet to rule out whether the incidents are linked
The young tradie suffered stab wounds and died just 100m from his home.
Two men were also injured in the attack, including Linos brother Mading, 27.
The alleged attackers remain on the run and police believe the ferocious attack also appeared to be targeted.
The tragedy comes on top of the family mourning Linos oldest brother Atem Atem, who was shot and killed at the familys Wyndham Vale home in February 2023.
No arrests have ever been made over the murders of Atem, 29, and a friend who was at the home at the time.
In November, aspiring rapper Pal Bidong was shot dead on the street after a Halloween rave, prompting a violent brawl in the middle of the night.
Mr Bidong, who went by the rap name Peezy, was found by members of the public with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath of Langford Street, in North Melbourne, about 3.15am on November 2.
In November, aspiring rapper Pal Bidong (pictured) was shot dead on the street after a Halloween rave
Its believed Mr Bidongs murder (pictured) was a gang-related execution
Its believed Mr Bidongs murder was a gang-related execution.
Its understood a huge fight broke out among partygoers after Mr Bidong was fatally shot.
Investigators probed the crime scene around the industrial area which is close to a train line, a major road and a creek.
The suspected gunman who alleged killed Mr Bidong remains on the run.
Police confirmed the investigation into the Collingwood shootings remains ongoing.
Any witnesses, or anybody with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.