A man’s body has been found in Western Sydney after he attempted to shoot his estranged wife’s parents and carjack two vehicles.
A 50-year-old man attended a home on Antwerp St in Auburn about 10pm on Tuesday, where his estranged 55-year-old wife and their 20-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter were staying with her parents.
“The family are from Victoria and the woman was seeking refuge there for a short time as part of planning separation from her husband,” Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said.
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The woman and her children had travelled to NSW from Victoria approximately three weeks ago.
The man then followed them across the border directly before the incident occurred.
The man smashed the front window of the premises and forced open a front door but did not enter, McFadden said.
He then pointed a handgun at the woman’s father, aged in his 70s, and attempted to fire it, but it did not operate.
The 50-year-old man then turned the gun on his estranged wife’s mother, also aged in her 70s, and successfully fired the gun.
“It did not hit anyone inside,” McFadden said.
“We’re very thankful at this stage that we don’t have another (domestic violence) related homicide on our hands.”
The man then left the premises and unsuccessfully attempted to carjack a 56-year-old woman, who escaped and reported the incident to police.
He then attempted a second carjacking of a vehicle on Mona St at 10.10pm, driven by a man aged in his 50s who had his 15-year-old daughter in the front passenger seat.
He shot into the vehicle, impacting the driver’s shoulder and facial area.
McFadden commended the man’s 15-year-old daughter for her efforts in calling triple-0 to assist her father during the “traumatic” incident.
He was rushed to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition by paramedics.
“That man is in a serious but stable condition,” McFadden said.
The 50-year-old man’s body was later found by police in Duck Creek about 2.15am on Wednesday.
The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
A firearm was also located at the scene and seized for forensic examination.
The man had a criminal history in NSW dating back to 1989 and 1990, however nothing since that time that would be “cause for concern”, McFadden said.
Victoria Police have had no active interactions with the man in the past decade.
NSW Police are investigating how the man obtained a gun.
“There is no indication that he was licensed in any way for that firearm,” McFadden said.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact police.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
In an emergency, call 000.