A 37-year-old father from Point Lonsdale is recovering in hospital in a stable condition following a brazen shooting on a coastal road near Geelong. The incident, which police are treating as a targeted attack, has sent shockwaves through the usually tranquil Bellarine Peninsula community.
Details of the Brazen Coastal Attack
The shooting occurred on Saturday, May 11, around 9:30 pm on Point Lonsdale Road. According to Victoria Police, the victim was driving his vehicle when another car pulled alongside him. An occupant of the second vehicle then fired multiple shots, striking the 37-year-old man.
Despite his injuries, the victim managed to drive a short distance to a property on Ocean Road to seek help. Emergency services were promptly called to the scene. Ambulance Victoria paramedics treated the man for serious injuries before transporting him to a hospital in Geelong. A police spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that the man's condition had been upgraded to stable.
Detectives from the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit have taken charge of the case. They believe the attack was targeted and are actively pursuing several lines of inquiry. The shooter's vehicle is described as a dark-coloured sedan, which fled the scene immediately after the incident.
Community Reaction and Police Response
The violent event has unsettled residents of Point Lonsdale and the surrounding coastal areas, known for their relaxed lifestyle and scenic beauty. Local authorities have moved to reassure the public while appealing for information.
Police have cordoned off sections of Point Lonsdale Road and Ocean Road as forensic officers comb the areas for evidence. Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time, particularly those with dashcam footage or who may have witnessed the dark sedan.
"We understand this is a concerning incident for the community," a police statement read. "We are treating this as a targeted attack and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public. However, we urge anyone with information to come forward."
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The investigation remains in its early stages as police work to establish a motive and identify those responsible. The targeted nature of the shooting suggests a specific dispute or connection, which detectives are working to unravel.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online. The community's assistance is considered vital to piecing together the events leading up to the shooting and locating the vehicle involved.
This incident marks a rare and serious violent crime on the Bellarine Peninsula, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces even in quieter regional communities. The focus now remains on the victim's recovery and the swift apprehension of the perpetrators.
