Victoria Police release CCTV of Melton drive-by as hunt for shooter continues.
WARNING: Graphic images
The victim of a drive-by shooting holds his throat as blood pours from a gunshot wound down his face and covers the front of his shirt.
He is begging for help inside a service station at Melton, 35km west of the Melbourne CBD, just after midnight.
Theconfronting images were released today as Victoria Police escalate their pursuit of the gunman four months after the seemingly random shooting took place, news.com.au reports.
Armed Crime Squad detectives say the victim, aged in his 40s, was driving two female friends home about 12.30am on November 30 when a vehicle started following him.
They say shots were fired at Linlithgow Way and then again at Centenary and Coburns roads. During the second attack, the victim was shot once in the face.
In the back of the car, a 21-year-old woman called triple-0. The victim managed to drive to a service station where he was treated by staff before being transported to hospital.
He was placed into an induced coma for several days and still requires medical treatment.
The victim, who does not wish to be named, says he has no idea why he was attacked.
The man, in his 40s, drove to a service station for help after he was shot. Photo / Supplied
"I have no idea why," he told reporters this morning. "I just have no idea. I'm just an ordinary guy."
He said the impact of the shooting had changed him permanently.
"I struggle driving at night," he told reporters.
"I struggle helping with the church. I took a lot of time out to bring these young people to church and take them places because they didn't have cars. A lot of that's stopped because I just can't do it.
"I'm ducking my head when I'm driving my car. I'm looking out for people … I've gone through red lights because I'm thinking someone's behind me.
"Two weekends ago I heard a gunshot, and I had to run inside and look out the window. That's what's impacted me mentally."
He said the shooting "will affect me for the rest of my life", but he wants to forgive those responsible.
"This world has become hate. But because of my faith in God, the best thing I can do is forgive and to show the love of God towards them," he said.
The man, in his 40s, drove to a service station for help after he was shot. Photo / Supplied
Armed Crime Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the victim was lucky to be alive.
"The difference between investigating a homicide or a non-fatal shooting has only been millimetres," he said.
"The victim will likely take a significant amount of time to recover from his injuries, and he's lucky to still be alive.
"It's also incredibly fortunate that his passenger wasn't injured and was able to contact emergency services for help.
"We're very keen to speak to anyone who might have witnessed the incident or the offender's vehicle on the night, or who may know the identity of the offender or offenders."
A description of one of the men believed to be responsible included that he was caucasian, dressed in all black and had a baseball bat and a long firearm.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
