Police widen search for Saleh Atasoy into Northern New South Wales

The manhunt for an alleged bikie wanted in relation to a road rage shooting on the Gold Coast has taken a surprise twist, with police warning he may be armed. THE LATEST DETAILS

Charlton Hart

@CharltonHart

less than 2 min read

December 11, 2023 - 3:00PM

Gold Coast Bulletin

Wanted man Saleh Atasoy could have left the state.

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The manhunt for an alleged bikie wanted in relation to a road rage shooting on the Gold Coast has crossed the state border, with NSW police joining the search.

Police have been looking for Saleh Atasoy since November 27, when its alleged he fired a handgun at a car in Mermaid Waters following a dispute with another driver.

Police beside the car which was shot at in Mermaid Waters. Picture: 9News Gold Coast.

Police raided the 37-year-old’s home and visited some of his known associates but have yet to track him down. The Bulletin understands part of the investigation is now looking at whether the Oxenford man is in Northern New South Wales.

Detectives allege Atasoy is a member of the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, which has an established presence across the Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Northern Rivers regions. Police intelligence suggests some of the gang’s members live in the area. It is believed the gang is still based out of a clubhouse in Tweed Heads West.

Tactical officers raided Saleh Atasoy's Texas Court home, Oxenford. Picture: Supplied

Officers south of the border have carried out a number of visits to known Lone Wolf members and associates of Saleh Atasoy. He was on Supreme Court bail at the time of the shooting in Mermaid Waters and was required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. Police claim since his disappearance, Atasoy has disabled the tracker and it has not been located. Detectives continue to appeal for any information of his whereabouts. Anyone that sees Atasoy is urged not to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous. The public are asked to call triple-0. A Queensland Police Service spokesman confirmed the involvement of their NSW counterparts and said it was ‘common place’ for investigations of a similar nature.