Police in Sydney are investigating a shooting incident that left one man critically injured and several others hurt. The alleged gunman, a 60-year-old man, reportedly did not possess a firearms license. The shooting occurred on Sunday night in Croydon Park, an area known for its multicultural community and family-friendly atmosphere.

The chaos began just after 7:45 p.m. when reports of an active shooter prompted a lockdown in the neighborhood. Witnesses described a scene of panic as the suspect fired shots from a unit above a business on Georges River Road. Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry stated that between 50 to 100 shots were fired indiscriminately at passers-by over a two-hour period.

A man in his 50s was shot in the neck and chest and was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he underwent emergency surgery. At least 16 others sustained minor injuries, including cuts from shattered glass and shrapnel. Two men were transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for treatment, while others were treated for shock, according to NSW Ambulance.

Eyewitness accounts painted a vivid picture of the event. A taxi driver reported hearing multiple bangs and initially mistook them for firecrackers. "I smelt the gunpowder but I assumed because it was grand final night it was somebody throwing firecrackers or something. I'm just in shock … it feels like it's a movie," he said. Another resident described hearing glass shattering and bullets hitting nearby objects, prompting him to take cover in his office.

The police responded swiftly, arresting the suspect around 9:30 p.m. at the same unit from which the shots were fired. Officers seized several firearms, including a high-caliber rifle. Acting Commissioner Trent King confirmed that the shooting did not appear to be related to drugs or alcohol, but the motive remains unclear.

The suspect was injured during the arrest and is currently under police guard in the hospital. A crime scene has been established, and the area has since been secured. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether the firearms were legally owned.