Town plunged into lockdown while police hunt for gunman in WA

A packed pub was sent a text alert urging patrons to stay inside while police hunted for a gunman who had threatened good Samaritans.

A gunman has allegedly terrorised town in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region by threatening people who offered their help at a crash scene and forcing a pub into lockdown.

Police said the man first launched his alleged attack on innocent bystanders who stopped to check on a car crash on the Albany Highway in Bannister, 100km south of Perth, about 5.20pm on Saturday.

A crashed red Holden Commodore sedan caught the attention of the five passengers inside a black Mitsubishi Triton ute who pulled over and tried to offer their help.

A gunman allegedly used a car crash to lure victims to him. Picture: Nine

One of the ute passengers began walking over to the crash scene when a man carrying a firearm and a woman emerged from behind bushes, according to police.

The gunman allegedly fired two shots, with one bullet flying through the ute’s passenger-side window and out the driver’s side window, before the drive escaped in the car – leaving one passenger behind.

Police say they returned to pick up the passenger and more shots were allegedly fired at them.

None of the passengers were injured.

Police say soon after a couple pulled over at the crash scene and were also set upon by the gunman who allegedly held them at gunpoint while he stole their gold Volvo station wagon.

The gunman and the woman then drove nearly 30km north to the town of Merredin where they allegedly began their pursuit of more victims, according to police.

Locals in a town 300km north of the crash scene were plunged into lockdown five hours later. Picture: Nine

About 10.30pm, police received a report that the alleged offenders followed a female driver before aiming a gun at her.

While she escaped without injury, the threat prompted police to place the town under lockdown.

At least 90 people who were enjoying Saturday night drinks at the local pub were all sent an emergency text alert just sometime after 11pm.

“WA police force are dealing with an incident in Merredin,” the message said.

“Until this matter is resolved police request all residents secure their properties and stay inside.”

A packed pub was part of the lockdown as police hunted for the gunman. Picture: Nine.

A second message assured the community there was “no ongoing safety concerns” but a police operation was ongoing.

The pub staff barricaded everyone inside the pub where they anxiously awaited news.

About 11.45pm, a 24-year-old woman got out of the stolen Volvo station wagon and was taken into custody by police.

Just after midnight, the stolen Volvo came to a stop on the Great Eastern Highway.

When police approach the car, they found the alleged gunman unresponsive with head injuries.

Police began CPR until paramedics arrived, but he was unable to be revived.

He has not been formally identified.

Originally published as Town plunged into lockdown while police hunt for gunman in WA