Investigation into Launceston shootings results in six arrests
Tasmania Police searches assisted by helicopter have resulted in six arrests being made as part of an investigation into two shootings in Launceston
The Launceston News
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POLICE made six arrests yesterday following shootings in Launceston on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Police responded to a report of one or two shots being fired through the screen door of a house on Normanstone Rd in South Launceston about 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Property was damaged, but the occupant was not injured.
Tasmania Police investigations indicated that the incident was targeted and isolated and may be connected to an ongoing dispute between neighbours.
At 2am yesterday morning, Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania responded to a report that a man had been shot in his home at Guy St in Kings Meadows.
He had a .22 caliber gunshot wound to his pelvis and was taken to hospital.
Detective Inspector Craig Fox said the man was treated by doctors and was in a “satisfactory condition”.
Det Insp Fox said investigations into the shootings were still active.
“Today police have executed a number of searches in relation to both those incidents from overnight,” he said.
“As a result of some searches we’ve conducted so far and some vehicle intercepts with the assistance of Police Air Wing, we have six people currently in custody.”
Det Insp Fox said a 27-year-old man from Rocherlea and 34-year-old man from St Leonards who were in custody were expected to be questioned and charged over the shooting.
The other four people arrested were picked up on unrelated charges and outstanding warrants during the course of the investigation and may not be charged in relation to either shooting.
The two incidents were not believed to be related.
Commander Brett Smith said were concerned about recent “marginal rises” in gun related crime and firearm thefts.
He said firearms in the wrong hands were dangerous and police would not hesitate to “throw every resource behind these types of incidents”.
Commander Smith said today’s operation was a good example.
“We had no hesitation in using air assets and a range of other assets that we have in order to very, very quickly apprehend people committing firearm related crime.”
Commander Smith said gun owners should maximise their security to reduce the risk of thefts and be cautious of and report suspicious behaviour at gun clubs and around their homes.
He also asked community members with information about illegal firearms in the community to come forward.
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“There is a role and responsibility here for the community to help us try and get firearms off the street.”
Tasmania Police has a 365 day amnesty on surrendering firearms.
Det Insp Fox thanked community members who assisted police with identifying shooting suspects.
patrick.gee@news.com.au
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