A 13-year-old boy has been charged following an alleged drive-by shooting that sent bullets into an occupied home in Gosnells, leaving one man with minor injuries and prompting an investigation into how a child allegedly obtained a powerful firearm.
The shooting occurred on Bert Street at approximately 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Western Australia Police said officers responded after reports of gunfire and found damage to a bedroom window and an external wall of the property.
Seven people, including children, were inside the home when the shots were fired. One adult man was injured by shattered glass and taken to hospital for treatment. No other serious injuries were reported.
More than 20 shots allegedly fired
Investigators allege that the teenager fired a semi-automatic rifle at the house from a passing vehicle. Security-camera footage reportedly captured the sound of 27 shots, while photographs from the scene showed bullet holes in the exterior of the property.
The gunfire damaged parts of the building, including a window and sections of the outside wall. The number of shots and the presence of people inside the home heightened concerns about the potential consequences of the incident.
Police believe the occupants were not necessarily the intended targets. Authorities have described the shooting as an isolated incident and said there was no ongoing threat to the wider community identified in their initial assessment.
Teenager arrested and charged
Rapid Apprehension Squad detectives arrested the 13-year-old on Monday, October 19, at a car park in Belmont, approximately 18 kilometres from Gosnells.
The boy was charged with eight offences, including unlawful use of a firearm, endangering life, possession of stolen property and driving without authority.
He appeared briefly in Perth Children’s Court on October 19 and did not apply for bail. Prosecutors indicated they would oppose bail, noting that he was already on bail for alleged offences in Victoria. He was expected to return to court the following week.
The charges remain allegations, and the teenager is entitled to a fair legal process. Because the accused is a minor, further identifying details have not been included.
Police investigate possible criminal connections
In a subsequent report, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said detectives were investigating whether an underworld organisation had recruited the teenager and supplied him with the firearm.
According to that report, investigators were examining allegations that instructions had been delivered electronically and that arrangements had been made for the weapon to be collected and returned. These claims remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established in court.
Police also said the semi-automatic firearm allegedly used in the shooting had not been recovered. Investigators are working to determine how the weapon came into the teenager’s possession and whether other people were involved.
The circumstances have raised questions about the supply of illegal firearms and the possible exploitation of young people in serious criminal activity.
Residents shaken by overnight gunfire
The shooting startled residents in the surrounding neighbourhood, some of whom reported being woken by the rapid sound of gunfire.
The fact that multiple people, including children, were inside the home when the shots were fired has added to local concerns. Although the reported injuries were limited, the incident could have resulted in far more serious consequences.
For the occupants of the property, the damage and the experience of being inside a home targeted by gunfire may have lasting emotional effects.
Investigation continues
As of October 22, 2026, the 13-year-old had been charged, but the investigation remained ongoing. Police were continuing to examine the firearm’s source, the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and whether anyone else played a role.
Authorities have asked anyone with relevant information to contact Western Australia Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Gosnells shooting has become a serious public-safety concern because of the number of people inside the home and the allegation that a 13-year-old used a semi-automatic firearm. Investigators are now working to establish how the incident unfolded and whether additional individuals may face legal action.
