A 35-year-old man suffered gunshot wounds while inside his car in Doveton, a suburb in Melbourne’s south-east, on October 30. He was promptly transported to the hospital, where he is being treated for severe lower body injuries.

The following day, a 39-year-old man faced charges for several offenses and is currently being held in custody. Authorities are now appealing for details regarding the activities of two vehicles both before and after the incident.

Investigators suspect that a black Mazda was observed driving erratically around 1:45 p.m., alongside a black Holden, on Harmer Road in Hallam.

Witnesses reported that the occupants of these cars were engaged in a heated altercation, brandishing weapons and making threats against each other.

The actual shooting took place shortly thereafter, around 2 p.m.

The Holden has not been found, and detectives are still trying to determine its movements before and after the shooting.

Police also urge anyone who saw two other cars – a second black Mazda and a white SUV.

Both stopped near the black Mazda the victim was found in on Paperbark Avenue and stole several items from the car.

Police believe the incident was a targeted attack and that the individuals involved are known to each other.

The 39-year-old Keysborough man who was arrested will appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 28, 2026.