Full Breakdown
Targeted Shooting on Lakege Avenue, Berkeley Vale
9/9/2026, 2:03:59 PM
Core Event
Police responded to a home on Lakege Avenue in Berkeley Vale on a Wednesday morning after reports of gunfire. A 37-year-old man was found with gunshot wounds to his hand and torso; he was treated on-scene by NSW Ambulance and later airlifted to hospital in serious but stable condition. The victim’s female partner was inside the house, witnessed the shooting, and was unharmed. Neighbours and a nearby business employee reported hearing a “big bang” and seeing the victim’s partner emerge from the house.
Investigation Details
Detectives say a single gunman entered the property, confronted the victim, and fired at least two shots. A silver GWM 4WD utility with roof racks and a roll bar was seen in the area; police are seeking the driver, described as a male in his late teens to early twenties wearing a balaclava. CCTV footage around the scene is being reviewed, and officers are speaking with the victim’s partner and other witnesses. The investigation remains focused on identifying the vehicle and its occupant.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent Chad Gillies, Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander, emphasized that the shooting is believed to be a targeted attack but the motive is still unknown. Police have urged the public to contact Crime Stoppers with any information about the vehicle or suspect.
On-the-Ground Reports
A local resident recounted hearing the gunfire and seeing the victim’s partner rush out of the house, confirming that the shooting occurred in front of a witness. Staff at a nearby business also reported hearing the shots, corroborating the timeline provided by emergency responders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In relation to the motivation, we are yet to determine what that would be.” — Police
- “We believe at this stage that there was one occupant inside that car responsible for the shooting, described as a male, late teens [to] early 20s, wearing a balaclava,” — Superintendent Gillies
- “Our investigation is focused on identifying that vehicle and locating that vehicle, and clearly seeking information from members of the public in relation to identifying the person or persons responsible,” — Superintendent Gillies
- “This is a rare occurrence in this particular area, this type of violence, and I'm not prepared at this stage to elaborate whether this is linked to anything else.” — Superintendent Gillies
These statements and community accounts form the basis of an ongoing police investigation into what authorities describe as a targeted, isolated act of violence on the NSW Central Coast.
