Bloody struggle for pistol leaves one dead in Whittlesea

Christmas Eve turned into a bloody nightmare at the Whittlesea Convenience Centre when a fight for a firearm ended in a fatal shooting!

What was supposed to be a busy day of holiday shopping and travel ended with a 24-year-old man dead after a life-and-death struggle with a security guard.

THE GRAB FOR DEATH

According to police, the drama unfolded around 11:30 AM on Wednesday.

It is alleged that a Fidelity security guard was approaching a shop at the centre when danger struck from behind. A young man reportedly pounced on the guard, reaching for his service pistol.

“The deceased came from behind the suspect (the guard) and grabbed his firearm,” said Captain Yolisa Mgolodela.

A DESPERATE STRUGGLE

The filling station became a battleground as the two men locked horns, both refusing to let go of the weapon. Witnesses watched in horror as the pair wrestled for control of the gun.

But the struggle turned deadly when a shot rang out.

“As their hands were on it, the deceased was struck by the bullet that was dislodged in the process,” Mgolodela confirmed.

DIED AT HOSPITAL

Though the young man was hit, he didn’t die instantly. An ambulance rushed him to Hewu Hospital while he was still clinging to life. Sadly, the battle was lost—he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

POLICE INVESTIGATION

The festive cheer has been replaced by a grim murder investigation. Whittlesea police have opened a case of murder to get to the bottom of the shooting.

While the guard was fighting to keep his weapon, cops are now piecing together the exact moments that led to the fatal discharge.

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