Authorities in New South Wales are currently on the hunt for a suspect who is believed to have carried out a shocking shooting spree in a small town in the state’s Central West. This tragic incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon, leaving three individuals dead and another injured.

Julian Ingram, a 37-year-old man who also goes by the name Pierpoint, has been officially identified by police as the prime suspect in this case. On Friday morning, law enforcement issued a warrant for his arrest, labeling him as the suspected perpetrator of this heinous crime.

According to reports, Ingram allegedly fired shots that claimed the lives of a 32-year-old man and a pregnant 25-year-old woman. The victims were reportedly in their vehicle on Bokhara Street in Lake Cargelligo when the attack occurred.

Shortly thereafter, the violence continued on nearby Walker Street, where a 50-year-old woman was fatally shot. Additionally, a 19-year-old man was injured and subsequently transported to the hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

During a Friday afternoon press conference, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, who serves as the Western Region commander, provided further details. He revealed that the suspect had previously faced charges related to domestic violence and had been granted bail under strict conditions. Authorities are now urging the public to stay vigilant as they continue their search for the alleged shooter.

“[A] risk assessment would have been done at that time. At that time, he probably — he had not committed a violent offence in the last five years and [was] therefore deemed fit,” he said.

Holland confirmed the alleged shooter doesn’t have a gun licence, and the police are investigating how he was able to access the firearm.

He said police are also still investigating any links between the alleged and the deceased.

“We are still calling the members of the public to assist us in locating the offender and obviously his vehicle,” Holland said.

“Please do not approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous.”

‘Large search’ in progress

In an earlier press conference, Holland said police are scouring a “large search area” for the shooter.

The public is urged to avoid the area and locals have been told to stay inside.

“There are concerns that this offender may be armed with a firearm … the offender is currently on the move and we are looking to try and locate this offender,” Holland said.

Extra personnel have been brought in from surrounding areas to help with the search, including tactical operations police, search coordinators and air crews.

Police said the alleged shooter was on bail after previously being charged with domestic violence offences. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

A staff member at the Commercial Hotel in the centre of town, who did not wish to be named, said there had been a lot of police activity after what they believed was a shooting in a house.

“I’m just inside, trying to not be around,” they said.

A manager of a local motel said it was “a little bit scary” in the town, and she believed more police were headed to the area.

‘A terrible situation, and it’s still live’

Roy Butler, the NSW MP for Barwon, which includes Lake Cargelligo, said in a social media post on Thursday evening he had been on a plane and heard the news moments after landing.

“It’s a terrible situation, and it’s still live, so we don’t have much information. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I will keep you updated,” he wrote.

Police had sent a geo-targeted text message to residents telling them to stay inside and avoid the area.

They have appealed to anyone in the area who may have mobile phone or dash cam footage, CCTV or any other vision relevant to the incident to submit it to police.

Lake Cargelligo is located about three and a half hours south-west of Dubbo. It has a population of around 1,160, according to 2021 Census figures.

— With additional reporting from Australian Associated Press.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

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