You go down to the local hardware store to buy a few tools. As you leave the store, one of the staff asks to see your receipt for the stuff you’re walking out with. Fair enough, you show it to them and everyone’s happy and you’re on your way, right?
Well that’s not how it turned out at the Bunnings store at Bonnyrigg in western Sydney. Staff there asked to see the receipt for some tools two men were leaving the store with. That led to an argument. But then it escalated. Forty minutes later they came back with two other men and recommenced the argument. Staff ordered the men out of the store but they allegedly only retreated as far as a side driveway less than 50m from the store’s main entrance, where a scuffle ensued. It was then that one of the men pulled a handgun and began firing.
Fortunately no-one was hit. A short time later, police arrested four Greenfield Park men – aged 60, 43, 34, and 16 – in a nearby street. The 34-year-old was charged with numerous offences, including shooting with intent to murder. The 43-year-old and the 16-year-old were charged with being accessories before the fact. The 60-year-old was released pending further inquiries.
I can’t argue with what the police superintendent in charge of investigating the incident said:
"It’s a complete over-reaction,"
"I can’t comprehend how the dispute got to the point where it would trigger the response where a firearm was produced."As a policeman of 30 years it’s incomprehensible."
"It is disturbing that there was a gun being carried around,"
"But what is really disturbing is that someone would react to what would seem to most other people a minor incident – being asked for a receipt – by taking a firearm to the dispute. The response is completely disproportionate to the dispute itself."
Too right. What would possess someone to react like that? I’m betting illegal substances had something to do with it. That plus someone desperately needs anger management therapy. Plus, to have reacted so badly to such a minor challenge, I’d be saying the 34 year old guy responsible has an incredibly small penis!
Maybe the 34 yr old had been to the “adhesives” aisle prior to the purchase of the tools.
Omg, that’s ridiculously scary. I used to teach at the primary school in B-Rigg before moving to London. I feel sorry for the poor kids who have to grow up around such stupid people.