By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A MAN police believe to be a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang narrowly escaped several bullets shot into his Beaconsfield home last night.
Six bullets were fired into the Fieldstone Boulevard home about 10.15pm on Tuesday 12 May.
A 10-year-old boy, eight-year-old girl and 47-year-old woman were home at the time but were uninjured in the drive-by shooting.
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit’s (CIU) Detective Sergeant Phil Jury said at least one of the bullets came within a metre of a 43-year-old man, who is believed to be a member of the Rebel Motorcycle Club.
“We are investigating that avenue,” he said.
The suspected bikie is not co-operating with police inquires.
Police believe the attack, which happened within hours of two arson attacks at tattoo parlours in Seville and Lilydale with suspected bikie links, was targeted.
“We believe this was not a random incident and that the house was the target. The lights were on when the attack occurred,” Det Sgt Jury said.
He said the house was known to police.
“Police have dealt with this male before,” Det Sgt Jury said.
The man was sitting in the lounge room when the shots were fired.
The front door, internal walls and a car parked in the driveway were also hit by the bullets.
Bullets found in the wake of the horror drive-by are being examined by forensic police who will determine if the shots were fired from more than one weapon.
Neighbours who notified police of the incident spoke of their fear and surprise at the attack in the quiet housing estate.
A neighbour across the road immediately recognised the bangs were bullets and initially didn’t know where they were being directed.
“It’s pretty scary,” he said from behind a heavy screen door.
A suspicious fire ripped through a tattoo parlour in Seville on Wednesday 13 May, about 1.50am.
Hours later, fire-fighters were called to douse a fire at a second tattoo parlour in Lilydale.
Both incidents are being investigated by Yarra Ranges CIU.
Det Sgt Jury said the ECHO taskforce had been notified about the Beaconsfield drive-by shooting and will investigate the incident along with Cardinia CIU and Yarra Ranges CIU.
“We will be working closely together on this,” he said.
“We want to get the guns off the street and we don’t want anyone in danger.”
He said possible revenge attacks were of concern to police.
Police identified two Pakenham addresses believed to be bikie clubhouses during a press conference held hours after the drive-by shooting.
Police are appealing for anyone who has information about a small red car with LED tail lights seen leaving the vicinity shortly after the shots were fired.
Anyone with information on the shooting or the car is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
