Three young men accused of using handmade slingshots to fire metal fishing sinkers at unsuspecting pedestrians in Brisbane's inner west have faced court. Police allege the group launched the projectiles from a moving vehicle during a series of incidents between May 27 and May 31.
Incidents Across Multiple Suburbs
The alleged attacks occurred across Paddington, Toowong, St Lucia and Chapel Hill. Among the victims was a 22-year-old woman struck in the forehead at Paddington and a 36-year-old woman hit in the hand at Toowong on May 27. Police further allege a 53-year-old man was struck in the back at Toowong and a 64-year-old woman was hit in the jaw at St Lucia on May 31. The older woman later told Sunrise she narrowly avoided losing her sight after being struck by one of the projectiles.
Police Investigation and Arrests
As part of their investigation, officers from Indooroopilly Criminal Investigation Branch intercepted a silver Hyundai i30 on Chapel Hill Rd at Chapel Hill about 11.15pm on May 31. Police allege a search of the vehicle uncovered two handmade slingshots, two pocket-shot style devices and a set of knuckle dusters. Both occupants were detained at the scene. Investigators later executed a search warrant at a Henty Dr address in Redbank Plains on June 1, where police allege they located property linked to the assaults. A second search warrant was carried out at a Chelsea Pl residence in Forest Lake on June 2, where police allegedly located a quantity of cannabis and drug utensils.
Charges Laid
A 19-year-old man from Forest Lake has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed and in company, one count of serious assault of a person over 60, and one count of discharging a weapon in a public place. A 20-year-old Chapel Hill man is facing multiple assault allegations, as well as weapons and public safety offences. A 19-year-old Chapel Hill man has been charged with multiple assault-related offences and discharging a weapon in a public place. A 19-year-old Redbank Plains man is facing multiple assault charges, including allegations relating to an elderly victim, as well as stolen property, explosives and weapons-related offences.
Court Appearance
Three of the accused men appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday. Confronted by 7NEWS outside court, one of the accused men would not discuss the allegations, answering “no comment” when asked about the alleged attacks and whether he regretted them. The Redbank Plains man, who was remanded in custody, is due to appear before the same court on June 23. Police investigations remain ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone who may have been struck by an object from a passing vehicle to contact police.
