Detectives have launched Operation Geonosis to hunt down a gunman behind the bikie-linked murder of a 34-year-old man.
Detectives have launched Operation Geonosis to hunt down a gunman behind the bikie-linked murder of a 34-year-old man, who had been working as a Perth tow truck driver.
Joseph Rodney Versace was shot at least twice when confronted near a large shed on Sydney Road, Gnangara yesterday afternoon.
According to business records, Mr Versace worked as a sole trader for Performance Towing, a company well-known to WA Police.
"For me to speculate on any of the reasons behind the shooting would be wrong at this time," said Police Commissioner Col Blanch.
But he did say Mr Versace had links to one or more bikie gang.
"Our understanding is there is a history of the victim that does indicate they have knowledge of, or association with, outlaw motorcycle gangs," the commissioner said.
"We're confident in our investigation that it is a targeted attack and occurred in a confined area."
The crime scene shed sits in one corner of a large block of semi-rural land in Gnangara.
One of the people to post a message about the shooting on Facebook was the former boss Performance Towing.
"You guys you can't be gangsters all your lives," he wrote. "Sometimes it just goes south and you pay the ultimate price. So sad.
"RIP Joey my friend. I just hope it was quick and you never suffered. This is BS."
Police have executed several search warrants since the murder, but commissioner Blanch wouldn't confirm which bikie gangs the crime is connected to.
"There is a lot of evidence to collect, multiple witnesses need to be spoken to," he said.
"If people think they can shoot people in cold blood in WA then the police will be coming for them.
"The gang crime squad will be paying you a visit very shortly."
The sniper shooting of Rebels Motorcycle Club chief Nick Martin in 2019, was the last bikie murder in WA.
Mr Martin was watching drag races at the Kwinana Motorplex when he was hit by a bullet fired from a rifle 300 metres away. The assassin was later arrested and convicted.
The police commissioner and Police Minister Paul Papalia were hopeful the shooting was not the start of a tit-for-tat bikie war.
"This type of act is exactly why the government is giving WA Police the toughest bikie and firearms laws in the nation," Mr Papalia said.
Mr Blanch issued a warning to gang leaders in the wake of the latest violence.
"If you are in an outlaw motorcycle gang hierarchy you also have an obligation to make sure your members and associates behave themselves in the public domain," Mr Blanch said.
"I must ensure the community [is] safe."
