Man Hospitalised After Alleged Bushland Shooting in West Wallsend; Four People Arrested

26 September 2024

Article updated Friday at 8:46am – A 39-year-old man is recovering in hospital after allegedly being shot in both legs in West Wallsend Thursday evening. A man and a woman have been charged in connection with the incident.

Around 5:30 pm on Thursday, 26 September 2024, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District responded to reports of an alleged shooting on O’Donnelltown Road. Upon arrival, they discovered the injured man in nearby bushland. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

Police were informed that the injured man had allegedly met with a 26-year-old man at the location; both men are known to each other. The 26-year-old reportedly left the scene before authorities arrived.

Earlier reports last night by NSW Police suggested that four men had been arrested in relation to the incident. Two men, aged 23 and 33, were indeed arrested a short time later at Seaham Street, Holmesville, and taken to Belmont Police Station for questioning. However, they were subsequently released without charge.

Then, at approximately 7:15 pm, the 26-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman attended Toronto Police Station. The man was arrested and charged with discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a loaded firearm in a public place. The woman was charged with being an accessory after the fact to the shooting.

Both individuals were refused bail and are scheduled to appear before Toronto Local Court today.

A crime scene has been established, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information provided will be treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.