By Amber Schultz, Penry Buckley and Jessica McSweeney
Dramatic video footage has emerged of police and neighbours attempting to save the life of a man with links to the underworld after he was shot in a “targeted” daylight attack, with an alleged getaway car set ablaze in Sydney’s west.
On Sunday evening, just before 7pm, 31-year-old David Khou left his home on St Johns Road in Cabramatta West and entered his car when an unknown person approached from Sutherland Street and shot him multiple times through the window, police allege.
Police say Khou has links to Asian organised crime groups and the illicit drug trade. A man has been arrested and charged in relation to the shooting.
Multiple neighbours said they heard three loud gunshots and saw Khou run from the car as he bled out, calling for help.
Video footage taken by a neighbour showed locals crowded around the man, including one with military experience and a first aid kit, attempting to stem the blood flow from gunshot wounds in his arms and abdomen before police and paramedics took over.
A neighbour who asked to remain anonymous said he was standing outside when a man ran out of his car and started shooting at Khou.
The burning Audi in Bathurst Street, Wakeley.Credit: Fire & Rescue NSW
“I had to get my kids inside because I was scared he might shoot us,” he said, adding the alleged shooter was short, skinny and had his face covered, with only his eyes showing.
“[Khou] crossed the road and just collapsed … I was horrified … He was losing a lot of blood and it was too much for us to handle.”
Khou succumbed to his injuries in his neighbour’s front yard as the alleged shooter drove away at speed.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics he could not be revived.
Neighbour Karuina Wondeng said he ran out of his house after hearing gunshots.
“He ran past looking for help … there was a lot of blood,” he said.
A short time later in the nearby suburb of Wakeley a white Audi was found well alight on Bathurst Street. Police believe the car was used as part of the alleged targeted shooting.
Police also identified a grey Jeep Cherokee they believe was used in the shooting. The car was intercepted on Monday morning in Cecil Hills and the driver, a 33-year-old man, was arrested.
More than a dozen police also searched a house in Yass Close about 8.30am.
The crime scene on Sutherland Street, Canley Heights, on Monday morning.Credit: Edwina Pickles
On Monday afternoon the 33-year-old was charged with accessory after the fact to murder, and for refusing to disclose his identity as a driver. Police allege he was driving one of the getaway cars used in the shooting.
He will face Parramatta court on Tuesday.
Homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said it was most likely that the shooting came down to the same motive seen in organised crime killings across Sydney: “drugs and greed”.
“[In] any involvement in criminal activity and organised crime networks we’ve seen, people don’t always lead the high life and have the bling,” he said.
“There’s always consequences if you’re going to be involved in organised crime networks, and we see it over and over again; they end up dead on the street in Sydney.”
Since July 2024, a covert police operation has been working to dismantle organised crime networks with links to Asia under task force Lupin.
More than $10 million worth of drugs have been seized and 33 people arrested, who police allege had connections to home invasions, kidnappings and firebombings carried out in pursuit of controlling the illicit drug trade in Sydney.
Police said conflicts involving organised crime groups from Asia has been escalating in south-west Sydney.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.