A man who was shot dead while sitting in his car outside his family home in western Sydney had links to an Asian crime gang.
Police officers were called to Sutherland Street in Canley Heights at 6.50pm on Sunday following reports of gun fire.
Paramedics treated David Khou, 31, for multiple gunshot wounds but he could not be revived and died at the scene.
A short time later, emergency services were called to Bathurst Street, in the neighbouring suburb of Wakeley, after an abandoned car was set on fire.
The shooter remains on the run while a 33-year-old man was arrested on Monday and taken to Fairfield Police Station where he is assisting police with their inquiries.
Acting superintendent Jason Pietruszka said the shooting was a ‘targeted attack’.
‘This is not a random shooting,’ he said.
‘A person unknown has approached from the road, gone up to the driver-side window and has fired a number of shots into the window.’
Paramedics treated David Khou, aged in his 30s, for gunshot wounds but he could not be revived and died at the scene
Police described the shooting as a targeted attack (pictured, police at the scene)
Mr Pietruszka explained Khou exited the car after being shot and ran a short distance before collapsing on a neighbour’s front lawn.
Detective superintendent Danny Doherty confirmed the shooting was an ‘organised crime-related murder’ involving ‘illicit drug activity’.
Mr Doherty added the situation was terrible for Khou’s family despite the circumstances.
‘It’s a very sad, tragic situation despite what his history may have been or despite what his links are,’ he said.
‘It’s terrible for his family.’
Mr Doherty added after extensive inquiries, police identified a second vehicle – a grey Jeep Cherokee – that had been involved in the fatal shooting.
He appealed to the public for help in catching the shooter and urged anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
‘This is a dynamic investigation. It’s unfolding as we speak,’ Mr Doherty said.
mergency services were called to Bathurst Street, in the neighbouring suburb of Wakeley, after an abandoned car was set on fire (pictured)
Police believe the shooting and the car fire are linked (pictured, the burnt out car)
‘Police are appealing for any witnesses or people that may have information that may identify who is responsible for the shooting murder.
‘CCTV phone footage, dash cam footage is really important. It’s an ongoing investigation, but we need the assistance of the public to help us.’
The Jeep Cherokee was seized at an address in Bosley Park and a 33-year-old man was arrested.
The man was taken to Fairfield Police Station and is assisting police with their inquiries.
Police established a crime scene, with investigations underway on Monday as forensic officers comb the area for evidence.
Sutherland Street was closed and a section of St Johns Road and High Street were sectioned off with police tape.
Khou’s death is the latest hit in Sydney’s gangland war in escalating violence among Asian crime networks.
Police announced on December 20 it had arrested 33 people over the past six months as part of a covert task force established to target Asian crime syndicates.
Taskforce Lupin investigated a number of Asian crime gangs involved in fire bombings, shootings, violent home invasions, large-scale drug manufacturing and kidnappings across southwest Sydney.
The taskforce also dismantled three drug labs, seized seven firearms, almost $600,000 cash and more than $10million worth of methamphetamines.
