Man on shoot charge

A MAN is expected to face court today charged with attempted murder over a shooting at Bridgewater almost two weeks ago.

Tasmania Police detectives arrested the 28-year-old man early yesterday morning at a northern suburbs motel.

Caleb Woods, 24, was allegedly shot at close range in the stomach outside his grandmother’s unit on Albion Rd about 8.20pm on August 19.

Detective Inspector Craig Joel said Mr Woods had regained consciousness but remained in a “precarious state”.

“It’s still a really long road to recovery for him,” Insp Joel said.

Insp Joel said police arrested the 28-year-old just after 6am yesterday.

He was charged yesterday with attempted murder, carrying a firearm with intent to commit a crime, possessing a prohibited firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued, possessing a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category, and possessing ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence.

Insp Joel said police would allege the shooting was targeted, brutal and planned.

He said the man who was arrested was asleep when police arrived at the motel. Another man and a female who were also there were not arrested, and police are not alleging they were involved in the shooting.

“There were also a number of articles found in that motel room and obviously they’ll be subject to investigation and examination … not just in relation to the matter at Bridgewater but also other matters,” Insp Joel said.

He said police were investigating the cause of the shooting and searching for the gun that was allegedly used.

“Police conducted searches throughout Gagebrook and Bridgewater in the days after the shooting and unfortunately there were articles found but not relating to this particular crime, so police are still looking for a firearm in relation to this particular offence.”

Insp Joel thanked the Bridgewater and Gagebrook community for rallying against the violence and other southern Tasmanians who provided information to police.

He said detectives had worked hard to find the alleged shooter.

Insp Joel said in addition to information about the gun, police were still hoping to find CCTV footage of a blue Holden Commodore, registration DQ8428, that he said was alleged to have been used by those involved in the shooting.

“The vehicle was later recovered burnt out but this vehicle is distinctive and may have been captured by CCTV in the local area or around Hobart,” he said.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.