Police release description of offender in ‘reckless’ shooting in Melbourne’s West

A man has described how his world has changed after he was shot outside his home in Melbourne’s west.

A man who was shot in the eye during a burglary has told reporters how his life had changed since the frightening incident as police continue to hunt those responsible.

Ardeer man, John, was shot in the eye outside his home in Ardeer on October 25 after he interrupted a group of offenders attempting to gain entry into a neighbouring property.

“I heard some noises outside and we had a car broken into not long ago so I thought it was that,” he said.

“I went outside to have a look, I heard a car beep about three to four times next minute, bang, the shot gun went off.”

One shot hit the 59-year-old machinery driver in the eye and another missed him. The shot left John with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

“I went into shock, I was dumbfounded,” he said.

“It felt like I had been hit in the face with a basketball.”

Appeal for information following Ardeer non-fatal shooting. Victim John and wife Myra.

John lost vision to his right eye as he staggered back inside to his wife Myra, who called police and an ambulance.

Myra held back tears as she described how both of their “worlds have been changed” since the incident.

“I have been trying to be the strong one, caring for John after he came home from hospital. The hospital at home people wouldn’t come because of the danger of not having them caught so I have been off work,” she said.

“It has been really frightening.”

John said he was appalled at the offenders who “clearly didn’t care”.

“They shot me without warning,” he said.

John's injuries the night he was shot in Ardeer.

John, who counts himself as “lucky”, spent over a week in hospital. The doctors don’t know if he will ever regain full sight in his right eye.

“I’ve taken it in my stride but my sleeping patterns have changed. I have always been an independent person and I couldn’t tie my shoes, I couldn’t get dressed, I couldn’t shave,” he said.

“My life has changed.”

Police on Wednesday appealed for help to find those responsible.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Newman from the Armed Crime Squad told reporters such “reckless” use of firearms was “particularly concerning”.

“It poses a great deal of danger to residents,” he said.

“This kind of offending remains a focus of Victoria Police. We are reasonably confident we will find them.”

A digital image of a man who police believe may have been involved in the shooting in Ardeer where John was injured.

Investigators believe a group of men had been attempting to burgle a property on Maxweld St about 1.30am on October 25 when they were interrupted by John.

After shooting John the unknown offenders then fled the scene in three vehicles – two dark coloured hatchbacks and one red compact SUV.

Investigators have also released a computer generated image of one of the men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He is perceived to be caucasian in appearance, approximately 25-years-old, of a skinny build with dark recessed eyes, light brown hair and unshaven.

Police have released CCTV of the three cars they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries in the hope someone can provide information about their whereabouts.

Investigators are also keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time and has dashcam footage or is yet to speak to police.

Police are urging anyone with information or with dashcam footage of any of the incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.