Victoria Police has released CCTV footage as it seeks witnesses to the public shooting of a notorious underworld figure in front of two small children in Deer Park last month.
Douglas Mikhaeel, 27, was stopped in his car at boom gates on Mt Derrimut Road when several men ambushed the vehicle just after 9.10pm on Friday, January 20.
The assailants opened the driver’s door and shot Mikhaeel several times in the lower body while his partner was in the passenger seat and his young niece and nephew were in the back.
The victim then drove to Sunshine Hospital, about 10 minutes away, for treatment for his non-life threatening injuries, while the 26-year-old woman and two children in the car were not physically injured.
Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack.
It was the third time in 18 months that Mikhaeel had been targeted by unknown gunmen. He has been linked with feuds with a host of organised crimes players, including outlaw motorcycle clubs, Middle Eastern and southern European gangs and former associates.
This is a particularly concerning incident, especially given young children were present.
The footage released by police on Thursday did not show the shooting, but was taken near the crime scene at the time of the incident.
The video shows a number of vehicles and pedestrians who were in the area at the time of the incident.
Victoria Police said its investigators were particularly keen to talk to the occupants of a white car that police believe was the closet to the victim’s black Hilux at the time of the shooting.
“This is a particularly concerning incident, especially given young children were present. [It was] such a reckless use of firearms has left one man with potentially life-changing injuries,” detective acting Inspector Chris Ellway said.
“We do believe this incident was targeted. However it would have been incredibly frightening for the other people in the car and had the potential to impact other innocent parties. We have a significant investigation into the incident under way and are keen to speak to anyone who has information about the shooting.
“Investigators know there were a number of other cars stationary at the crossing when the shooting occurred, so we are urging those people in the vehicles to come forward and speak to police, particularly anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage.”
Investigators are seeking several suspects, who were wearing balaclavas at the time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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