Police say shooting ‘random’ Gangs ruled out

Alex de Vos
Police have denied gang warfare was behind a shooting in Geelong’s Yarra Street this week.
Several youths aged between 16 and 20 were hit when shots were fired from a shotgun near the Carrington Hotel on Monday night.
Reports said animosity between youths from Corio and Whittington was behind the shooting.
Geelong Acting Inspector Cindy Millen said yesterday the shooting was an “isolated” and “random” incident with no “gang” involvement.
“It just involves people who know each other,” Act Insp Millen said.
Police said up to four shots were fired from the shotgun but no one was seriously injured in the attack at 11.30pm.
Police said at least seven males were hit with shotgun pellets but they did not penetrate the men’s skin.
Accused shooter, Glen McIntosh, 22, of Remington Street, Corio, was remanded in custody on Wednesday after a failed bail application in Geelong Magistrates’ Court.
Police charged Mr McIntosh with reckless conduct endangering life, recklessly engaging in conduct placing persons in danger of serious injury and being a prohibited person using a firearm.
Police said the shooting followed an altercation between two groups of men near the McDonald’s restaurant on the corner of Ryrie and Yarra streets.
Police said one group, mostly people from Corio, telephoned members of the other group from Whittington to encourage them into a fight.
Some of the injured youths reportedly warned they were preparing for a revenge attack on the weekend.
But Act Insp Millen said the warning would not prompt an increased police presence in central Geelong this weekend.
“Geelong will be fully resourced over the weekend as per normal rostering requirements.”