Reward offered after 72yo man shot in head while cycling in 2017

An elderly cyclist who “loved to ride his bike” was shot while riding six years ago, with police still looking for the people responsible. WARNING: Graphic.

Police are offering a hefty reward in exchange for information about a shooting incident which occurred back in 2017.

On Friday, Victoria Police again announced they are offering a $500,000 reward to whoever comes forward with information about the shooting of then-72-year-old Kelvin Tennant.

On February 18, 2017, Mr Tennant was riding his bicycle along the Myrtleford-Everton Rail Trail when he was shot a number of times.

Police believe the shooter left the scene in a dark-coloured sedan, with Mr Tennant lying on the ground unconscious.

He was discovered by two passing cyclists on the bike trail with gunshot wounds to his head and chest.

Mr Tennant was then flown to The Alfred hospital in a life-threatening condition and survived despite it taking months to recover from his injuries.

Six years on from the attack, he is still having issues with his hearing and eyesight due to the injuries.

An investigation by detectives from the Armed Crime Squad has taken place since the incident, with police continuing to travel to the area to find answers for Mr Tennant and his family.

However, police still have no clear motive for the attack.

Mr Tennant was flown to hospital in a life-threatening condition. Picture: Victoria Police

He was cycling along the Myrtleford-Everton Rail Trail. Picture: Victoria Police

The $500,000 reward for information was first announced in 2019 and remains in place.

Police said the “relatively remote” area where the incident occurred is a popular location for visitors to the Great Alpine Road area and the townships of Myrtleford and Bright.

Police believe it is possible an interstate holiday maker in northeastern Victoria may have seen something, but doesn’t realise what they know could be important in the investigation.

Officers are keen to speak with anyone who was in the area or passed through Everton on the weekend of February 18, 2017.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Brad Potts said the shooting took place in a close knit area, and police are hopeful someone may have found out something in relation to the incident.

“Even though six years have passed since the shooting occurred, detectives are still keen to speak to anyone who may have information about who was responsible for the shooting and why,” he said.

“Kelvin was simply out enjoying a bike ride along a beautiful regional trail when someone has tried to kill him, and we’ve never been able to uncover any possible motive for this.

Police still check the location six years after the incident. Picture: Victoria Police

“He loved the area and loved to ride his bike, and there is no way he would have expected this ride to end like this.

“I know every investigator who worked on this matter over the years would love to see it solved – not only to provide justice to Kelvin and his family, but also to find out the mystery of why this shooting occurred.”

Police said in appropriate cases, the Director of Public Prosecutions is able to consider granting indemnification from prosecution to anyone who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender/s.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Reward offered after 72yo man shot in head while cycling in 2017