A MAN who was “kneecapped” during a shooting in Merrylands on Friday is a well-known criminal who has previously been a target of Operation Spartan.
The 24-year-old was shot on Patten Ave, Merrylands about 5.20pm on Friday and admitted himself to Westmead Hospital without calling for an ambulance.
Police say the man – who is “very well known” to police – has been deliberately withholding information from them, including the identity of his assailant.
The victim refused to provide a statement to authorities and, despite his attacker being just footsteps away from him, claimed he was unable to identify or recognise him.
Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli, Commander South West Metropolitan Region, said police were continuing to investigate.
“They were in close proximity to each other, so it’s extremely frustrating when someone says they can’t identify the attacker because they didn’t see them,” Mr Mennilli said.
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Witnesses have told investigators the gunman ran from the scene after the shooting and drove away in a dark-coloured hatchback.
News of the shooting was seized upon by the state opposition, who yesterday called on Premier Barry O’Farrell to call a “crisis meeting” and deploy more officers to the region.
While the shooting was the fourth gun-related attack this week, Mr Mennilli said overall shootings had been trending downwards since the formation of Operation Spartan in January.
This included a 79 per cent reduction in shootings in the south west metropolitan region and a 20 per cent drop in drive-by shootings.
Since January, police have arrested 250 people and taken 26 firearms off the street.
“My officers are out there every day and every night targeting these individuals,” Mr Mennilli said.
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