Police are searching for a gun after a shooting in Moonyoonooka, in Western Australia’s Mid West, left a 32-year-old man seriously injured and prompted a nine-hour manhunt.
The man was found on Allen Road, east of Geraldton, shortly before 1am on Wednesday. He was alone when officers arrived and was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital, where his injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening.
Five people were taken into custody on Hart Street in the Geraldton suburb of Utakarra at about 10.30am. Some have since been released while inquiries continue.
Acting Superintendent Ben Huggett said police believed at least three people were involved in the incident and that those connected to it were known to one another.
“We’re still establishing through investigations what the nature of that (relationship) was,” he said.
Local officers, detectives and the Tactical Response Group were involved in the search. Mr Huggett said police treated any incident involving a firearm with “extreme caution”.
The weapon has not been found, and police said it was not yet known what type of gun was used or how many shots were fired. Attorney-General Tony Buti had earlier said he understood the man had been shot with pellets.
“It’s too early to confirm the type of firearm,” Mr Huggett said. “The firearm is still outstanding.”
He said officers hoped to find it at the primary address they had attended, but added that the search remained ongoing.
Police said there was no information to suggest an ongoing risk to the community. The injured man is assisting officers with their inquiries.
