Suspected tobacco war foot soldier gunned down, hospitalised after wild daylight shooting in Coolaroo

A 22-year-old man believed to be involved in the ongoing tobacco wars has driven himself to hospital with gunshot wounds after being targeted in a brazen daylight shooting in Melbourne’s north.

Two gunmen have opened fire on a man in Coolaroo. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Gunmen have opened fire on a suspected tobacco war foot soldier in Melbourne’s north.

The 22-year-old, who cannot be named because he has charges pending against him, drove himself to Northern hospital on Friday afternoon after two shooters pulled up in a dark-coloured BMW and fired several shots at him on Pearson St in Coolaroo about 4.10pm.

The injured enforcer ran down a driveway towards a house before jumping over a fence as the BMW fled down Pearson Crescent.

He had been standing with two other associates near a green Holden Commodore parked outside a house when the attack unfolded.

The man drove himself to Northern Hospital in Epping, where he remained in a stable condition on Saturday.

The Herald Sun understands that the man, from Mickleham, had been working for exiled tobacco kingpin Kazem Hamad, who has orchestrated much of the fiery conflict that has gripped Victoria over the past two years from the Middle East.

But the young alleged enforcer is believed to have clashed with other members of the syndicate in recent times, resulting in him being booted from the powerful network.

He was arrested in recent months over his alleged role in an extortion attempt at a smoke shop in the northern suburbs.

Those matters are before the courts.

Speaking from the scene Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Foot said the man shot in the brazen daylight attack was known to police.

“He was shot twice once in the lower and once in the upper body, and was forced to flee,” he said.

“He is a 22-year-old male, we know him, and we believe he was the prime target of this incident.”

Police say the man who was shot was known to police. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

Det Foot said he believes 10 or so shots were fired in the attack which took place on the residential street, with bullet holes seen littered through one neighbouring fence.

“I believe they were simply having some food out the front here in the afternoon, when the BMW had made an appearance,” he said.

“But I reassure the community, even though this appears a targeted attack, the fact it has taken place on a suburban street in the afternoon is simply unacceptable.”

Det Foot said he was unaware of the victim having any relationships with others who lived on the streets, but he was a known associate of other crime figures.

“It’s a targeted crime, but whether it’s gang related or a personal matter (is unknown),” he said.

“I can’t share those (known associates).

“The key now is for people with any information, or who have seen a BMW at the time driving erratically, or his dashcam footage, please don’t hesitate to call Crime Stoppers.”

Det Foot added that the victim wasn’t being helpful in the investigation and talks were ongoing with the men he was with, at this stage their one and only lead is the vehicle.

Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating the suspected gangland shooting.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam, CCTV footage or any other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Suspected tobacco war foot soldier gunned down, hospitalised after wild daylight shooting in Coolaroo