Shooting incident in Geraldton’s Moonyoonooka sparks police manhunt and arrests

Consensus Summary

A shooting incident in the early hours of Wednesday morning near Moonyoonooka, east of Geraldton, has triggered a major police operation and multiple arrests. The victim, described as a man with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, was found just before 1am and rushed to Geraldton Regional Hospital. Police confirmed the shooting occurred in a remote area, with the firearm used in the attack still outstanding. The incident prompted a nine-hour manhunt and the deployment of the WA Police Tactical Response Group, which conducted a raid on a property in Utakarra, a suburb near Geraldton. Five individuals were taken into custody around 10.30am, though some have since been released as investigations continue.

The shooting appears to be linked to a broader pattern of activity in the area, with residents reporting frequent police visits and concerns about illegal camping and drug-related issues. Neighbors described the scene as chaotic, with heavily armed officers swarming the property and issuing commands through loudspeakers. The victim, who is assisting police with inquiries, was found alone on Allen Road in Moonyoonooka, suggesting the shooter may have fled the scene. Police have not confirmed whether the incident was drug-related, though local residents have raised concerns about ongoing criminal activity in the area.

Acting Superintendent Ben Huggett emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that any firearm-related incident is treated with extreme caution. He confirmed that while five people were arrested, investigators believe only three were directly involved in the shooting. Huggett also noted that the victim and alleged offenders are known to each other, though the exact nature of their relationship remains under investigation. The police operation included searches of the Utakarra property and surrounding areas, with officers hoping to locate the firearm used in the attack. Meanwhile, residents in the area have been asked to review dashcam footage for any suspicious activity.

The two primary sources reporting on the incident differ on some key details, including the victim’s age—ABC describes him as a 30-year-old man, while 7NEWS states he is 32. Additionally, ABC mentions a Monday shooting, though it is unclear how this relates to the Wednesday incident. 7NEWS provides more specific timelines, including the victim’s arrival at the hospital at 1.58am and an alert issued just before 3am for residents to stay away from the area. The discrepancies highlight the early stage of the investigation, where details are still being confirmed.

As of the latest reports, police have not released further information about the motive behind the shooting or the identities of those involved beyond the victim and the five individuals taken into custody. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging the public to cooperate by providing any relevant information. The incident has left residents on edge, particularly in Moonyoonooka and Utakarra, where police activity has become a frequent occurrence. While the victim has been released from hospital, the search for the firearm and the full circumstances of the shooting continue to be top priorities for law enforcement.