Pregnant teenager’s car peppered with bullets in Lalor drive-by shooting
There has been a surprising twist in the investigation of a drive-by shooting at a car in Lalor early this morning, as investigators reveal the damage wasn’t caused by gunfire.
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Damage to a car in Lalor was not caused by gunfire as had been feared, police say.
It had been reported that shots had been fired at a vehicle overnight in Clifton Grove but investigators say that was not the case.
A Victoria Police statement said: “Ballistics experts attended and after further investigation believe that the damage was not caused by a firearm.”
Investigators remain keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity in the area.
The pregnant teen who owns the car that was previously believed to be shot at in a driveway in Melbourne’s northern suburbs expressed her shock earlier today, saying she fears someone could be targeting her.
Britney Sampieri, 19, wasn’t home at the time of the Lalor incident but owns the car that was vandalised at in Clifton Grove overnight.
“I got a call from a friend saying my house had been shot up, they’d seen it on Facebook and then I came here to see it for myself,” she said.
“It’s a real shock. It makes me very scared that someone’s done that at my parents house.
“I’m worried for my family and my mum. I’m happy I wasn’t there or in the car when it happened.
“(My parents) are both just very scared.”
Ms Sampieri said she was five months pregnant and had been staying at a hospital at the time.
“Yeah, I am worried for my safety,” she said. “It could be someone targeting me.
“There’s nothing really we can do. They’re low lives because I have a child on the way. That’s my car for my child.”
Police were called to the suburban street about 2am after reports of bullet holes found in the car.
Detectives were told residents inside heard noises at midnight but did not investigate.
When leaving for work, they noticed the damage to the car and called police.
Two holes were visible in the back window of a white Hyundai Veloster. The sunroof also appears to be smashed.
Senior Constable Matthew Millett from the Mill Park Serious Crime Taskforce said this morning that four shots had been fired into the car; two in the back window and two in the passenger side.
“We believe the shooting occurred just after midnight,” he said. “Police attended and observed four bullet holes.
“The victims inside heard a banging noise and checked out the front window and couldn’t see anything.
“Today it’s quite an extensive crime scene, we do a lengthy canvas of the area.
“We know a car is involved but we don’t have a description of that vehicle. We don’t know how many offenders are involved.
“The ballistics unit are conducting their analysis of the scene. This is a very violent act in a residential street. I’m worried for everyone’s safety.
“We hope that no one would ever have to resort to this sort of violence.”
Neighbour Peter Darmanin has lived in Clifton Grove for more than 40 years and said it was a safe area to live.
“As long as no one got killed — that’s the main thing,” he said. “We have good neighbours here, we don’t have any problems.
“We heard some banging last night. I thought someone was closing a car door.”
Mr Darmanin said he knew the family who lived at the home and said they were a “beautiful” family.
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“They’re beautiful, they’re terrific, the kids.”
It is understood parents live in the home with their adult children.
The SES and Victoria Police are on scene. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000