A police investigation is underway following a disturbing incident in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region, where a gunman initiated a rampage, resulting in the lockdown of a small town. The unsettling sequence of events began approximately 100 kilometers south of Perth on Saturday at 5:20 pm, along Albany Highway in Bannister, when a black Mitsubishi Triton stopped at the scene of a car crash, according to police reports.
Five individuals from the Triton vehicle intended to assist the occupants of a red Holden Commodore sedan involved in the crash. However, the situation took a sinister turn when a passenger from the Triton approached the scene. At this point, a man carrying a firearm and a woman emerged from nearby bushes, and the good Samaritans were allegedly fired upon twice before fleeing the area.
Subsequently, a couple from Williams attempted to render aid at the crash site but were similarly confronted by the same armed couple. They fell victim to an armed carjacking, with their gold Volvo station wagon being stolen at gunpoint.
The alleged offenders embarked on a nearly 300-kilometer journey to the small town of Merredin, where at approximately 10:30 pm, they reportedly followed another motorist and aimed a firearm at the female driver. Fortunately, the driver managed to escape. The ensuing situation prompted local authorities to initiate a townwide lockdown, urging residents via text message to seek shelter and remain indoors.
Approximately 90 individuals took refuge inside the local pub, following the last call for drinks at 10 minutes to midnight. Merredin pub owner Jason Williams recounted how the police instructed them to prevent anyone from leaving during the lockdown.
Just prior to midnight, authorities apprehended the 24-year-old woman who had been accompanying the gunman. Meanwhile, the gunman continued driving, ultimately stopping approximately one kilometer from the town, where he tragically took his own life. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared deceased.