NSW police divers will conduct a river search as investigations continue into the 2016 shooting of a Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) member in the Hunter Region.
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Police and emergency services were called to a home on Guyang Street, Corlette, just after 10.30pm on Saturday April 2, 2016, where they found a man with gunshot wounds to both thighs.
The then 31-year-old was taken to John Hunter Hospital and treated for gunshot wounds, which fractured both femurs.
Officers from Port Stephens Police District established a crime scene at the Corlette home, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Initial inquiries revealed the shooting occurred on the Big Rocky Track, off Gan Gan Road at One Mile, about five kilometres south of Nelson Bay. A crime scene was also established at that location and examined by specialist forensic officers.
An investigation was commenced under Strike Force Picture, which is now being led by detectives from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor North.
As part of ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Picture investigators, assisted by the Marine Area Command and Police Divers, will conduct a search operation in the Hunter River, near the Hexham Bridge, from midday Tuesday.
Strike Force Raptor’s Detective Inspector George Radmore said investigators believe the shooting related to an internal dispute within the Nomads OMCG.
“Our inquiries have revealed there were significant tensions between local members of the group at the time and we believe the shooting was a result of that conflict,” Det Insp Radmore said.
“We know there were a number of people present at the scene and likely more that have direct knowledge of the incident, none of whom have assisted with our inquiries.
“Despite that, we are continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have received information the firearm was disposed of shortly after the shooting.
“As a result of further inquiries, we have requested the police divers to assist in a search of this section of the Hunter River in hope of locating that firearm.
“We are still appealing for those with information about the shooting to come forward; it will only be a matter of time before we come for you.”
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
