A Townsville family has been left traumatised and is preparing to abandon their home after a terrifying incident where a shotgun was fired directly at their car.
Shots Fired in Residential Street
The frightening event unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday evening, April 9, 2024, in the suburb of Kirwan. According to Queensland Police, a vehicle was deliberately targeted by an unknown assailant who discharged a shotgun.
The family, whose identities have been withheld for their safety, was inside the vehicle at the time. Miraculously, no one was physically injured by the blast, but the psychological impact has been severe. The sound of the gunfire and the realisation of the attack have shattered their sense of security in their own neighbourhood.
Family Plans to Relocate Amid Safety Fears
Speaking to local media, a family member revealed the profound effect the shooting has had on their daily lives. The fear of a potential follow-up attack or ongoing threat is overwhelming. As a direct result, they have made the difficult decision to flee their Kirwan residence.
The family is now actively seeking alternative accommodation, uprooting their lives due to the imminent danger they perceive. This decision underscores the serious nature of the threat and the lasting trauma inflicted by such a violent act.
Police Launch Intensive Investigation
Detectives from the Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch have taken charge of the case. They are treating the incident with utmost seriousness, combing the area for evidence and appealing to the public for information.
Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Bayswater Road and Beckinsale Street in Kirwan around the time of the incident. They are particularly interested in dashcam footage from vehicles that were travelling through the area between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm on that Tuesday night.
Police have not yet publicly identified any suspects or established a clear motive for the attack. The investigation is ongoing, with officers working to determine whether the family was specifically targeted or if it was a random act of violence.
This shocking event has sent ripples of concern through the local Kirwan community, raising questions about public safety and illegal firearms. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
