By JESSE GRAHAM AND KATH GANNAWAY
A CASTELLA man is facing a number of serious charges after an alleged shooting in Healesville on Sunday night.
Police believe that, about 9pm on Sunday 25 October, a 44-year-old Castella man shot at a car driven by a 22-year-old Healesville woman who was accompanied by her 17-year-old brother.
It is believed that the man, in a four-wheel-drive, had been following the Healesville woman’s car, tailgating their vehicle and flashing his lights, before the shot was fired.
The Healesville driver’s brother turned to see a gun and yelled at his sister to duck before a shot was fired through the back window.
The pair managed to contact police, who then met them at the Healesville Walk Shopping Centre car park, where they arrested the 4WD driver when he arrived.
The two vehicles were then cordoned off as police investigated the incident.
Police say they believe the man was not known to either of the victims and have described the attack as bizarre and random.
Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) Detective Leading Senior Constable Robyn Waite said although the man co-operated with police, he offered “no comment” when asked why he shot at the car.
“No reason was given – nothing. No comment,” she said.
Det Leading Sen Const Waite said the pistol used in the shooting was unregistered, and the man was allegedly drunk at the time of the incident.
“He’s being put before the court today (Monday 26 October) – it will be up to the court to decide whether he gets bail or not,” she said.
“Police are going to be opposing it.”
When asked whether she had heard of this kind of incident in the area before, Det Leading Sen Const Waite said there had been “nothing, luckily”.
The 4WD was not registered in the alleged shooter’s name, and is believed to have been borrowed from its owner.
On Monday 26 October, the Mail received video footage taken from Healesville’s Fluid Lounge’s security cameras, which show a four-wheel-drive flashing its lights at a car in front of it.
Police have not confirmed whether the video shows the two vehicles involved in the shooting.
Maroondah CIU Detective Leading Sen Const David Perryman, who spoke to Mail reporter Kath Gannaway, at the scene, said the Healesville woman and her brother were lucky not to be injured in the incident, but were extremely traumatised.
The man is charged with reckless conduct endangering life, possessing an unregistered handgun, using a loaded firearm in a populous place and driving under the influence of alcohol, among other charges.
Det Leading Sen Const Waite said police were still appealing for witnesses, and asked anyone who had information to contact Maroondah CIU on 9871 3061.
