Offenders who allegedly shot a man in the hand and stole his car in a brazen daylight incident on Hobart’s eastern shore remain at large more than 24 hours later.
The victim was allegedly shot during a struggle inside his white Volkswagen Golf on Ronnie Street in Rose Bay at about 10am on Friday.
He sought help from nearby residents who heard the gunshot.
Police have been unable to locate the alleged offenders or the stolen car since.
Detective Acting Inspector Rick Newman said yesterday the victim had initially been in the Rosny Hill area with the alleged offenders before the situation escalated.
“Initial inquiries suggest the man was initially in the Rosny Hill area with the alleged offenders, who have then driven him and his vehicle to Ronnie Street,” Newman said.
“We believe a struggle has then occurred inside the vehicle, which is when the gun has discharged.”
The alleged offenders, who were wearing balaclavas, fled in the victim’s car – a white Volkswagen Golf with registration L59PA.
Police mounted an extensive search of greater Hobart on Friday, deploying a helicopter, but the vehicle and alleged offenders have not been found.
Detective Acting Inspector Newman said the investigation was ongoing, with police following several lines of inquiry.
He said the entire South-East Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) was involved in the case.
“We recognise this incident may cause concern in the community and I want to reassure the public that at this stage we believe this was a targeted incident,” he said yesterday.
“We ask anyone who sees the stolen vehicle to contact police immediately and not to approach it or its occupants.”
