Pipe bombs found in Wodonga drive-by shooting probe
A man is in custody after two explosive devices were found at a home in Wodonga that was the target of a drive-by shooting. Police believe attacks on three homes involve a hatchback that was caught on camera in dramatic footage.
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A drive-by shooter is at large after opening fire on three homes on the Victorian-NSW border on the weekend.
Police have located two explosive devices at one West Wodonga home that was a target.
Wodonga police executed a search warrant at the Georgina St address about 10.30am on Tuesday morning.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said the 39-year-old occupant was previously a victim but was now the target of the police investigation.
“We located two pipe bombs and our bomb response unit are up from Melbourne dealing with the matter now,” Sgt Simpfendorfer said.
“They will probably detonate them and make them safe.”
Mr Simpfendorfer said the occupant was now in custody, and the matter would be subject to further investigation.
“We’re happy with the info we’re getting from the public and we want more,” he said.
Police earlier recovered the vehicle they believe was involved in three drive-by shootings at the home at the weekend.
The vehicle was seized at the Wodonga Cabin and Caravan Park on Melbourne Rd at about 4.30pm on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said they believed it was the same vehicle captured in CCTV footage from the Gilbert St incident early on Sunday morning.
“We have seized it for forensic and ballistics testing,” Mr Simpfendorfer said.
“No one was arrested with the vehicle.”
Sgt Simpfendorfer said investigations were ongoing.
The first shooting occurred on Saturday night at a Wornes Drive address about 9.30pm.
The occupant of the house was not home at the time.
The second shooting unfolded at 1.50am on Sunday, with police releasing dramatic vision of a hatchback stopping outside a home on Gilbert St before a gunshot rings out.
The hatchback — which drove up and down the street prior to the shooting — then speeds off camera.
However, police were unable to locate a bullet hole or projectile at this address and believe the weapon may have misfired.
The third incident occurred at Georgina St at 4.50am on Sunday.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said a single shot was fired through the bedroom window of the address, narrowly missing the occupants who were at home and awake in the room at the time.
Neither of them was injured.
“We believe these addresses were targeted, the addresses are known to police,” he said.
“I don’t think the public needs to be in fear of random shooting incidents, but what the links are between each of these addresses is still under investigation.
“The occupants are known to police, but in regards to motive we’re keeping an open mind.”
Sgt Simpfendorfer said there was another incident at the Gilbert St address recently.
“We were there not too long ago in regards to a suspicious car fire,” he said.
“This is the second serious event at that address and we’re working with all parties involved including the people that live there.
“Suffice to say the cooperation is not as great as we’d like but that’s their choice.”
Sgt Simpfendorfer said police believed there were at least two offenders involved, a driver and a shooter.
He said police believed the weapon was low calibre, but “certainly enough to cause serious injury or death”.
“It’s extremely serious that people are going around with these firearms and pulling the trigger at these addresses that are occupied,” he said.
Sgt Simpfendorfer encouraged anyone with information to come forward and call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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