Lake Cargelligo, Australia — Authorities are conducting a massive search in a small town in New South Wales’ Central West after a shooting incident left three people dead and one injured. The suspected shooter, identified as 37-year-old Julian Ingram, is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle.
At a press conference, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland confirmed that Ingram is the primary suspect and that a warrant for his arrest has been issued. With details still emerging, police have emphasized the importance of community safety, urging residents to stay indoors as the search continues.
The tragic incident unfolded Thursday afternoon when gunfire erupted around 4:20 p.m. on Bokhara Street. A 32-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were discovered deceased inside their vehicle. Shortly after, a 50-year-old woman was shot and killed nearby on Walker Street, while a 19-year-old man was hospitalized with serious injuries but is now reported to be in stable condition.
Holland clarified that the shooting did not involve police officers and confirmed that all victims were residents of Lake Cargelligo, a community with a population of roughly 1,160, according to the latest census data.
In response to the shooting, law enforcement has established a crime scene and intensified efforts to locate Ingram, who is considered armed and dangerous. Officers from nearby regions, along with tactical units and air support, have been deployed to assist in the search.
Local residents have expressed their shock and fear following the incident. A staff member at a central hotel noted heightened police activity and described the atmosphere as tense. Another motel manager voiced her concerns, stating that the community is on edge amid the search for the suspect.
New South Wales MP Roy Butler, representing the Barwon district that includes Lake Cargelligo, addressed the situation on social media. He offered condolences to the victims and their families while acknowledging the ongoing nature of the investigation, emphasizing the need for timely information.
Authorities have reached out to the public for assistance, asking anyone who may have relevant mobile phone or dashboard camera footage, along with CCTV recordings, to come forward. A geo-targeted text message has been sent to residents, advising them to remain vigilant and avoid the area where the shooting occurred.
With the investigation still in its early stages, local leadership and residents alike continue to grapple with the unsettling impacts of this violent event, as the search for the suspect intensifies.