A young Indian-origin family residing in Blacktown, Sydney, is in search of a new place to live following two separate drive-by shooting incidents targeting their home on Virginia Street.
Hardeep Kaur, a mother of two, along with her husband, cousin, and their young children, were inside their residence around 9:00 pm when gunfire rang out, shattering the tranquility of their evening.
The family narrowly escaped harm as a bullet pierced their window, coming dangerously close to hitting their five-year-old son.
Ms. Kaur in an interview with Nine News.pleaded:
“We can’t hide behind the doors, we can’t hide our children. It’s hard, please. It’s not us, we’re not doing anything.”
The assailant’s vehicle, captured on CCTV footage, was identified as a ute seen prowling the street moments before the attack.
Subsequently, a Ford Ranger believed to be linked to the shooting was discovered abandoned eight kilometers away in Eastern Creek, declared a crime scene by authorities.
NSW Police Inspector Kylie Evans stated it “is a mistaken identity,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
“It was abandoned but because police believe that it has a link to the shooting it was declared a crime scene. This family is innocent and we believe that this is a mistaken identity.”
This incident marks the second assault on the family’s home, with a prior shooting occurring just two weeks earlier. Although the family was absent during the initial attack, bullets struck their bedroom window, leaving evidence of the peril they narrowly avoided.
Investigations by the NSW Police suggest that the residence may have been targeted due to its former occupants, prompting authorities to delve into the circumstances surrounding the previous shooting.
In light of these alarming events, the family has been compelled to seek refuge elsewhere, fearing for their safety.
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information regarding the incidents to come forward, contacting Blacktown Police or Crime Stoppers to assist in the ongoing investigation.
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