$250K reward for shooting of innocent churchgoer
A man who was stalked and shot in the face after leaving church with friends in Melton is believed to be the victim of a mistaken identity, with police offering a big reward to bring his attackers to justice.
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Police have announced a $250,000 reward for help to solve the shooting of an innocent churchgoer targeted in a possible case of mistaken identity.
Michael* was “millimetres” from death after being shot in the head and face after leaving church in Melton on November 30, 2018.
Armed Crime Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said “there is no reason this man was the target of a shooting” and it was crucial those responsible were brought to justice.
Two men were arrested in connection to the shooting last June but neither have been charged with the crime.
Det Insp Thomas said: “We have hit a roadblock in this investigation, and we are hoping this reward will entice someone who has crucial information to come forward and enable us to solve this crime.”
Michael, aged 42 at the time, was driving two female friends home from church when a car began to stalk them about 12.30am.
The shooter fired multiple shots into Michael’s red sedan after he dropped off one of the women in Linlithgow Way.
One of the bullets struck him in the head.
The car, believed to be a white HSV club sport, followed Michael and his 21-year-old passenger to Centenary and Coburns roads, where Michael was again shot in the face.
CCTV images captured the blood-soaked man making a frantic mercy dash into Caltex service station in Melton, where he got medical help.
His passenger dialled triple-0 and escaped physically unscathed.
After an extensive investigation, detectives have been unable to find a motive for the shooting and hope the $250, triple-0 reward will bring answers.
One line of inquiry is that the victim was set upon in a case of mistaken identity.
Det Insp Thomas said: “The victim in this matter was millimetres from sustaining fatal wounds and we want to get these people off the streets.”
After Michael woke from an induced coma he told how he could see the bullet hole that smashed open his jaw.
Though he has forgiven his attackers, Michael, a devout Christian, lives in constant pain and suffers traumatic flashbacks.
“He is still recovering from his injuries and will continue to do so for some time. We need to find answers for him as there is no reason this man was the target of a shooting,” said Det Insp Thomas.
“It’s also incredibly fortunate that his passenger wasn’t injured and was able to contact emergency services for help.”
Police arrested a 32-year-old Melton West man and a 30-year-old Hoppers Crossing man last June in connection to the shooting.
The Melton West man was charged with a range of firearms offences including prohibited person possess firearm and the Hoppers Crossing man was released without charge.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 3 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
*Not his real name.
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