A MAN has been arrested after a shooting at a rural property near Cohuna on Sunday.
The 65-year-old Cohuna man was arrested after another 65-year-old man was shot during a dispute outside a property near Box Bridge, about 2.40pm on Sunday.
The injured man was taken to a local hospital by an associate before he was flown to Melbourne with non-life-threatening injuries to his upper body.
Police believe the parties involved were known to each other.
Swan Hill police Acting Inspector Brian Hansen said armed crime squad detectives would interview the accused, who was co-operating with police.
He said there was a witness to the incident, who rushed the man to hospital for treatment.
“We’re still trying to determine how the firearm was discharged,” Insp Hansen told the Gannawarra Times.
“That there could have been an argument and they were both wrestling for possession of the firearm, but it’s still a bit unclear as to how it happened.
“Whether was was a direct threat or it was just an accidental discharge.”
Insp Hansen said it was unclear if the firearm was registered to the accused or registered at all.
He also said it was unclear what the dispute was over.
“We’ve got one person in custody at the moment, and obviously trying to corroborate their version of events, and they’ve been assisting the armed crime squad.
“This happened in the middle of the afternoon, so whatever has caused one or both of them to be angry must have been significant.
“There are ways to settle disputes, and this isn’t one of them.
“For someone to take it to that level is a little bit disturbing, and particularly if there are other other people around you who can potentially be drawn in, which is not what we want.”
Insp Hansen said the accused would undergo forensic testing, such as for gunshot residue.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
