Shot fired at sleeping couple

A 53-YEAR-OLD man and his pregnant wife are lucky to be alive after a man walked into the bedroom of their Ewingar home on Saturday and fired a rifle at them.

A 53-YEAR-OLD man and his pregnant wife are lucky to be alive after a man walked into the bedroom of their Ewingar home, near Tabulam, early on Saturday morning and fired a rifle at them while they slept.

A four-year-old boy was also in the house at the time of the surprise attack.

Police have charged the offender, a 32-year-old man believed to be from Nimbin, with attempted murder.

The .22 calibre rifle that he used had a homemade silencer attached.

Richmond Local Area Command duty officer Inspector Paul Fredericks said the victim and his wife were not hurt.

“The offender walked about 1km to the victim’s home and entered through an unlocked door,” he said.

“He then went into the victim’s bedroom some time between 1am and 4am on Saturday.

“He fired a shot while the victim was asleep in bed, which missed.

“There was a then a struggle between the two men and the victim was able to take control of the weapon.”

The attack was later reported to the Casino police station.

Insp Fredericks said it is believed men are related, although he would not say if there was a reason behind the shooting.

“Police will allege that the offender obtained a .22 calibre rifle and manufactured a silencer for the weapon,” he said.

“Police from the Richmond Local Area Command made the arrest about 10pm onSaturday at Bulldog Road via Tabulam.”

The man was charged with shooting with intent to murder and had bail refused yesterday.

He will reappear in Lismore Local Court today.

Originally published as Shot fired at sleeping couple