CCTV footage of bloodied Melton victim released as police hunt drive-by gunman
This is the moment a bloodied drive-by victim burst into a Melton service station after being shot in the face while driving. The gunman, who remains on the run, pursued the seriously injured man in his vehicle before the terrified victim managed to seek help.
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Police are appealing for help in identifying a car used in a drive-by shooting that almost killed a man last year.
The victim, in his 40s, was shot in the face, and was so seriously injured doctors put him in a coma for several days.
The man still requires medical treatment, and police say he is “lucky to be alive”.
The Armed Crime Squad said the man had just dropped off one of two female passengers in Melton West, about 12.30am last November 30, and was in Linlithgow Way when shots were fired into his car.
WHY WAS RED HATCHBACK SHOT AT ON MELTON ROAD?
His red sedan was then chased to Centenary and Coburns roads, where he came under fire again.
One of the shots fired hit him in the face.
His remaining passenger, a 21-year-old woman, who was not hit by the gunfire, called triple-0.
The victim managed to drive to a service station in Sherwin Court, Melton, where he sought help.
Detectives have released CCTV footage of the bloodied victim seeking help at the service station, and also of a vehicle, possibly a white HSV Clubsport, which is believed to have followed the victim’s car for some way. They want to speak to anyone who might be able to identify the vehicle.
The motive for the shocking attack remains unclear.
MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OVER DOUBLE SHOOTING
But the squad’s chief, detective Inspector Dean Thomas, said: “The difference between investigating a homicide or a non-fatal shooting has only been millimetres.
“It’s extremely concerning.
“The victim will likely take a significant amount of time to recover from his injuries, and he’s lucky to still be alive.
“It’s also incredibly fortunate that his passenger wasn’t injured and was able to contact emergency services for help,” Insp Thomas said.
The victim, who did not want to be named, said the shooting has traumatised him and he was in constant pain.
“It gets me down,” he said.
“I see flashbacks every day.
“I can remember the blood on the floor.”
Despite being shot, his main concern was for his female passenger who he wanted to keep safe.
“She was terrified. Really terrified,” he said.
“We we’re driving for our life.
“That plays over my mind every day.
“It was probably one of the worst times of my life.”
Work and church activities are very hard for the victim to take part in now.
“I’m constantly thinking that something is going to happen again,” he said.
“I work very hard but often it makes me go home because of the pain.”
The victim said he had no idea why he was targeted.
The attack and its physical and emotional scars would stick with him for the rest of his life.
“I have to put up with this scar for the rest of my life,” he said.
“It will effect me for the rest of my life.”
“We’re very keen to speak to anyone who might have witnessed the incident or the offender’s vehicle on the night, or who may know the identity of the offenders,” he said.
One of the men police wish to speak to is described as caucasian, dressed all in black and carrying a baseball bat and a longarm firearm.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au