A boxing coach has been shot dead in a community centre car park, police have confirmed. Louis Meehan, 32, was killed late on Wednesday afternoon (September 9) in a drive-by shooting in Punchbowl, a suburb on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia. The incident reportedly took place while children were inside the community centre next door, and clips on social media allegedly show CPR being performed as children watch on.
Police respond to fatal shooting
Police believe Meehan's killers drove off in a silver Lexus saloon car. He died at the scene after paramedics attempted to save his life. A New South Wales Police statement said: “About 5.50pm Wednesday emergency services responded to reports of a man being shot in the carpark of a community centre in Rossmore Avenue, Punchbowl.
“NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man but he died at the scene. Officers from Campsie Police Area Command have established a crime scene. Police have been informed that a vehicle was seen driving away from the location after the incident.”
Targeted attack, police say
In recent weeks Sydney has been rocked by a spate of shootings linked to gang crime. However, Acting Superintendent Dean Johnstone refused to be drawn over whether Meehan's killing was linked to organised crime. He did say the man was known to police, reports 9News.
“We believe this was a targeted attack, but we do not believe that other persons were at risk,” he said. “However, obviously in a public place like this, those actions cannot be tolerated as it potentially endangered innocent members of the community.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Campsie Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
