Teenager shot dead at Bar Beach during late-night fight; police investigating suspected drive-by

24 April 2025

A late-night fight at Newcastle’s Bar Beach has ended in tragedy, with an 18-year-old man shot dead and a manhunt now underway for the gunman.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach car park on Memorial Drive about 11:40pm on Wednesday, 23 April, following reports of a violent altercation involving a group of people.

Police were told that during the fight, a white SUV arrived at the scene. A man armed with a firearm allegedly got out of the vehicle, fired a shot, and then fled in the SUV.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the victim at the scene, but he died from a gunshot wound to the chest before he could be taken to hospital.

The victim has yet to be formally identified but is believed to be 18 years old.

A short time later, at around midnight, emergency services were called to Bangalay Reserve off Croudace Road in Tingira Heights, roughly 13 kilometres from Bar Beach, where a vehicle was found on fire. Two Fire and Rescue NSW trucks responded, extinguishing the blaze before handing the scene over to police.

Officers have not yet confirmed whether the vehicle fire is linked to the shooting but have established a second crime scene at the reserve.

Detectives from Newcastle City Police District, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, have launched an investigation under Strike Force Bolwarra.

Locals are shocked at the incident, which took place in what is normally considered a family-friendly area.

Police are urging anyone with information, or dashcam footage from the area at the time, to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Reports can be made anonymously.