UPDATE: Derrimut 24:7 Gym owner Nikolaos Solomos narrowly escaped a potentially fatal shooting at Burnside on May 21.
Armed Crime Squad detectives said the shooting took place when Mr Solomos parked his car on Mockridge Street about 5pm.
And on Sunday, bomb squad police were called to a house in Burnside after a suspect device was discovered on top of a car belonging to Mr Solomos.
In relation to the shooting incident, police said a man wearing a balaclava got out of a nearby car and fired two shots through the window at Mr Solomos. Both shots missed him, but he received minor injuries from shattered glass.
Mr Solomos drove to Sunshine police station to report the incident.
Police believe the gunman left the scene in the car of an accomplice.
The car is believed to be a dark green Subaru Impreza wagon, possibly a 1994-98 model, with stolen number plates.
“It’s extremely concerning given that there appears to be a degree of planning and organisation,” Detective Sergeant Paul McNulty said.
“They could have potentially been waiting there for the victim.” He said police had no known motive, but there was clearly an intention to injure or kill the victim.
The successful gym owner, who brought Arnold Schwarzenegger to Australia to promote his rapidly growing business two years ago, said the attempt on his life made no sense.
“Something’s not right. It just doesn’t add up with my lifestyle,” Mr Solomos told a media conference on Wednesday.
“I’ll just put it out there that we’re not involved in organised crime, we’re not affiliated with anyone. We’re a family-owned business.”
Can you help?
Police are urging anyone who has information about the shooting to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
