CCTV footage of an alleged victim narrowly evading a gunman has been released as police search for those responsible.
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The 50-year-old man is seen on camera leaving his home in Altona North, Melbourne as a gold Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD stopped in the middle of the road.
An alleged gunman fired several shots while the 50-year-old man hid behind a parked car shortly before 7.40pm on October 15, 2023.
The would-be victim ran down the street and around a corner as the alleged gunman pursued.
Police said the man was shot in the arm as he ran. Another bullet is believed to have grazed his hand.
The 50-year-old was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries after the alleged gunman bolted.
Case of mistaken identity?
However, police believe the shooter may have mistaken his victim for another person.
Detective Inspector Adam Tilley said "over the past seven months, detectives have followed up a number of leads in the hope of finding out who was responsible for the shooting and other associated incidents".
"At this stage we haven't been able to establish a motive for the shooting and are looking at the possibility that it may have been a case of mistaken identity," he said.
"We've not been able to find any reason why the victim would have been targeted in this way.
"We're hoping that by releasing this CCTV today, it may lead to further avenues of enquiry for investigators."
Burnt-out car found
On the night of the alleged shooting, at 8.20pm, emergency services were called to a vehicle fire in Reservoir.
Police believe the burnt-out car, reportedly stolen from Ferntree Gully in September 2023, was the same one used by offenders during the alleged shooting.
Police also released footage of a white Mercedes leaving the scene of the car fire in Reservoir as investigators alleged the offenders were in the car.
"It's not known how many people in total were involved in the incidents on the night or if those people were also responsible for the vehicle and numberplate thefts in the south-east suburbs," police said.
Investigators are keen to speak to anyone with knowledge of the shooting in Altona North, the car fire in Reservoir or the thefts in Ferntree Gully.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
