Victim no help in hunt for gunman

A SPRINGVALE man shot in the leg outside a Dandenong hotel has refused to help police to identify the gunman. Police have launched a fresh appeal for witnesses to the shooting, which occurred at around 11.15am on Tuesday 8 October last year, at the Ibis Hotel on the Princes Highway.
The victim was approached by a man in the hotel car park and, after a short altercation, was shot in the thigh with a small semi-automatic handgun. The gun has not been recovered.
The man, who still walks with a limp, managed to stagger into the hotel reception following the shooting and was taken to Dandenong hospital.
Detective Senior Constable John Elliott from the Armed Crime Taskforce released CCTV footage of the shooting as well an image of a man they hope will assist with the investigation.
Detective Senior Constable Elliott said the victim knew the shooter, but was not helping police to track him down.
“He has co-operated in describing events, but not as to who was responsible,” he said.
“I believe they are known to each other.”
Police said there was no evidence to link the shooting to outlaw motorcycle gang activity, but said the victim was wanted by police at the time of the shooting.
“He is still in custody,” Det Sen Const Elliott said.
The gunman has been described as being between 25 and 30 years old and of southern European appearance.
The car the men were driving is believed to be a black, three-door hatch, 1999 to 2005 Toyota Echo or Yaris
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au