Four men have been charged after a series of alleged drive-by slingshot attacks that left several pedestrians injured across Brisbane’s inner suburbs.
According to Queensland Police, four separate victims reported being struck by small metal objects that were allegedly fired from a moving vehicle while they were walking in Brisbane’s inner eastern areas late last month.
Among the reported victims was a 22-year-old man who was hit in the forehead while walking in the suburb of Paddington. A 64-year-old woman was also allegedly struck in the jaw while walking in St Lucia.
Police investigations suggest the projectiles may have been fishing sinkers. Footage released by authorities appears to show the type of metal objects allegedly used in the incidents.
On the same day as the St Lucia attack, officers intercepted a vehicle in the nearby suburb of Chapel Hill. During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly discovered two homemade slingshots, devices known as “pocket shots,” and a pair of knuckle dusters.
Following further investigations, police executed searches at two properties and arrested four men—three aged 19 and one aged 20.
The group has been charged with multiple assault and weapons-related offences. Authorities said all but one of the accused have been granted bail and are scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court later this month.
Police believe there could be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Investigators are urging anyone who was struck, or narrowly missed being struck, by a metal object in Brisbane’s inner eastern suburbs during the period in question to contact police.
The investigation remains ongoing.
