A man and a woman have been charged following a serious shooting near Newcastle on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Around 5:30 PM, police officers from Lake Macquarie District responded to an emergency call on O’Donnelltown Road in West Wallsend after reports of a shooting incident. Law enforcement discovered a 39-year-old man in a remote bushland area with gunshot wounds to both legs. Paramedics from NSW Ambulance provided emergency medical treatment at the scene before transporting the victim to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
According to police sources, the 39-year-old victim had allegedly arranged to meet a 26-year-old man at the location. Both individuals were known to each other, and the 26-year-old suspect reportedly fled the scene before authorities arrived.
Law enforcement quickly established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the shooting. Shortly after the incident, two other men, aged 23 and 33, were detained at Seaham Street in Holmesville but were later released after being questioned.
Later in the evening, at approximately 7:15 PM, the 26-year-old suspect, accompanied by a 48-year-old woman, voluntarily turned themselves in at Toronto Police Station. The man was charged with discharging a firearm with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a loaded firearm in a public place. The woman faces charges as an accessory after the fact.
Both individuals were refused bail and are expected to appear in Toronto Local Court today, Friday, September 27, 2024.
Authorities are continuing to investigate this violent crime and urge anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Crime reports are treated with strict confidentiality. Members of the public are reminded to avoid sharing information via social media and instead use official reporting channels.