Police search for firearm-wielding carjacker after linked incidents in Latrobe, Devonport

Police remain on the hunt for a man who stole a vehicle at gunpoint and struck the owner over the head with the firearm, before later firing the weapon at a residence in the state’s North. Latest details.

A Mazda has been stolen at gunpoint in the state’s North. Picture: Tasmania Police.

Police remain on the hunt for a man who stole a vehicle at gunpoint and struck the owner over the head with the firearm, before later firing the weapon at a residence in the state’s North.

Tasmania Police is investigating the carjacking at Devonport, and a later firearm discharge at Latrobe on Sunday afternoon in which the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched in an effort to find the offender.

Both incidents are linked.

In the first incident, at about 3.25pm, a man driving a black 2003 Mazda MX6 with white wheels and Victorian registration 1VX4DA along Victoria St was approached by a man wielding a firearm.

The victim was struck over the head with the firearm and the offender fled the area in the vehicle.

The stolen Mazda. Picture: Tasmania Police.

The car-owner received minor head injuries in the incident.

Less than 20 minutes later, police received reports of loud bangs near Reibey St at Latrobe.

Tasmania Police say officers determined a firearm had been discharged towards a residence from the stolen Mazda MX6.

A “significant police search” was launched, in which the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was used in an attempt to find the offender.

Both the vehicle and offender have not been found.

“Police are following a specific line of enquiry and believe the second incident was targeted and between people known to each other,” Tasmania Police said.

The offender is described to be a male, aged about 40 and about 178cm tall.

He is skinny, with a pale complexion, a long, gaunt face and goatee beard.

Acting Detective Inspector Alex Bonde said it was natural that the community would be concerned by such an incident.

“Police take every firearm incident in our community seriously and a thorough investigation is being undertaken to locate the offender involved,” he said.

“I ask anyone with information that would assist our investigation to come forward and contact us.

“Specifically, if anyone has dashcam footage of the black Mazda MX5 travelling between Devonport and Sassafras or in the Latrobe area between 3:25pm and 4:00pm yesterday please contact police.”

Information can be provided to police on 131 444 or through crimestopperstas.com.au which can be done anonymously.