Man shot in chest with stolen firearm during George Town shooting

Police say a 40-year-old man was able to drive himself to safety with a gunshot wound to his chest in the early hours of the morning at George Town on Thursday.

Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Jason Jones said the man was shot outside an address on Davidson Street, George Town before riding on his motorcycle to another address to seek assistance.

A 40-year-old man rode his motorcycle to get help after being shot in the chest at George Town.

Police were called to a house on Davies St just before 4am on Thursday, where they found a man with a single gunshot wound to his upper body.

Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Jason Jones said the man was allegedly shot outside an address on Davidson St, before riding on his motorcycle to a home at Davies St where he sought assistance.

“He was taken to the Launceston General Hospital, where he received emergency care,” Insp Jones said on Thursday.

“He’s now reported to be in a stable condition in intensive care and he will likely be transported down to the Royal Hobart Hospital for ongoing treatment.”

Insp Jones said a 45-year-old Prospect man had been arrested at George Town at 7am following the incident.

“The man has not yet been charged and detectives and local police are still conducting investigations at George Town,” he said.

“From searches that have occurred today in the George Town area, several stolen firearms have been located in the vehicle that’s assigned to the alleged offender.

“Initial investigations indicate the offender and victim are known to each other, and this is an isolated incident with no risk to the broader community.”

Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Jason Jones said the man was shot outside an address on Davidson Street, George Town before riding on his motorcycle to another address to seek assistance.

The incident is still being investigated, and anyone with any information is encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au.

“Police, including detectives, remain at the scene gathering evidence, and several items including firearms have been located,” Acting. Inspector Jason Jones said.

“Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.”