A peaceful afternoon in Lake Cargelligo was shattered by gunfire, sparking a major police operation in the Central West of New South Wales. Three people were killed across two nearby locations, while a fourth was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition. Residents were told to stay indoors as police locked down the town.

Officers were first called to Bokhara Street, where a man and woman were found dead inside a car. Minutes later, more shots rang out on nearby Walker Street. There, police discovered another woman had died and a man had been wounded. Both areas were immediately sealed off as crime scenes.

Police have named a person of interest, who remains on the run. Tactical units, helicopters, and extra patrols have been deployed amid fears the suspect may still be armed and could have fled in a council vehicle. Investigators believe the incident may be domestic-related and are examining reports of a previous protection order.

The violence has deeply shaken the tight-knit community. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the search continues and Lake Cargelligo remains under heavy police presence.