A second man has been charged following an alleged stabbing and shooting in the state's Riverina region last week.
Officers attached to Riverina Police District were called to Wilks Park, North Wagga Wagga, about 12.30pm on Thursday 10 October 2024, following reports of a shooting.
On arrival, police were told a 42-year-old man had allegedly been stabbed with a pair of scissors by a 33-year-old man, before the 33-year-old was shot by a third man who left the scene.
Prior to police attending, the 42-year-old man had left the scene and later presented himself at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, suffering a wound to his neck. He was treated and released on Friday (11 October 2024).
Police located a 33-year-old man in the Murrumbidgee River a short distance away from Wilks Park; however, he refused to exit the river before swimming to an island and climbing a tree.
Following a police operation, the man was arrested about 2am the following morning (Friday 11 October 2024) and taken to a hospital. He was later charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, around 12.30pm yesterday (Saturday 12 October 2024), officers attended a hotel on Sturt Highway, Gumly Gumly, and attempted to speak to a man.
The man allegedly refused to leave the room and a police operation ensued, involving local police with the assistance of specialist police including Tactical Operations Unit, and Police Negotiators.
About 10pm, police entered the room and deployed a Taser to arrest a 35-year-old man after he allegedly produced a knife.
He was taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital for assessment.
This afternoon (Sunday 13 October 2024), the man was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station, where he was charged with:
- shoot at with intent to murder
- possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority
- acquire prohibited firearm – subject to firearms prohibition order
- use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
- breach bail
He was refused bail and will appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court tomorrow (Monday 14 October 2024).