A 13-year-old boy has been charged following an alleged drive-by shooting at a residential property in Gosnells, a southeastern suburb of Perth, Western Australia. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026, when multiple shots were reportedly fired at a home on Bert Street.
According to reports published on October 19, seven people were inside the house when the shooting occurred. One adult man sustained minor injuries from shattered glass and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Western Australian detectives subsequently arrested the teenager and charged him with eight offences connected to the alleged incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
What Happened in the Gosnells Shooting?
Police responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of a residence on Bert Street at approximately 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, October 17.
When officers arrived, they found damage to a bedroom window and an external wall believed to have been caused by gunfire. Further reporting described damage to the property’s exterior, including the guttering and window glass.
Investigators allege that a person fired multiple rounds at the occupied home before leaving the scene. CCTV footage reportedly captured the sound of approximately 27 shots, although the exact sequence of events remains part of the investigation.
The presence of people inside the residence raised serious concerns about the potential consequences of the incident. Seven occupants were reportedly inside at the time, including children.
Man Injured as Bullets Strike Residential Property
One adult male sustained minor injuries during the incident. Reports indicate that shattered glass caused the injuries and that the man was transported to hospital for medical treatment.
No fatal injuries were reported in the coverage reviewed for this article.
Police have not publicly established all the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including a confirmed motive. Investigators are continuing to examine the available evidence.
13-Year-Old Boy Arrested and Charged
A 13-year-old boy was arrested following the shooting and later charged with eight offences, according to Australian media reports.
The charges reportedly include unlawful use of a firearm, endangering life, possession of stolen property, and driving without authority, among other offences.
The teenager appeared briefly before Perth Children’s Court on Monday, October 19. Reports indicate that he did not apply for bail during that appearance.
The court also heard that prosecutors intended to oppose bail because the boy was already on bail in connection with alleged offences in Victoria, his home state.
These are allegations, and the charges do not constitute proof of guilt. The case will proceed through the court system, where the allegations can be considered according to the applicable legal process.
Police Say the Firearm Has Not Been Recovered
Investigators believe a semi-automatic rifle was used in the alleged shooting. However, reports published after the teenager’s arrest stated that police had not yet located the firearm.
Recovering the weapon could form an important part of the continuing investigation as detectives work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Acting Senior Sergeant Heath Atkinson described the allegations as deeply concerning, particularly because of the reported access to a firearm by a child and the risk posed to people inside the house.
Police believe the shooting was an isolated incident and have indicated that they do not consider there to be an ongoing threat to the wider community from this particular event. The investigation, however, remains active.
Gosnells Residents React to the Shooting
The incident has drawn attention to the danger posed when gunfire is directed at an occupied residence, particularly in a residential neighbourhood where nearby households may also be affected.
Media reports described neighbours being woken by the sound of gunshots during the early-morning incident. The damage to the property and the presence of multiple occupants inside underscored the potential for more serious injuries.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive for the shooting, and speculation about why the property was targeted should be avoided while investigators continue their inquiries.
What Happens Next in the Case?
The 13-year-old is expected to return to court at a later date. The prosecution’s position on bail and the outstanding firearm investigation are among the developments that may remain relevant as the case progresses.
Because the accused is a minor, reporting should remain focused on information released by credible news outlets and authorities. Unverified claims about the teenager’s identity, personal background, or alleged reasons for the shooting should not be treated as established facts.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Latest Update on the Gosnells Shooting
As of October 20, 2026, reports indicate that a 13-year-old boy has been charged with eight offences following the alleged drive-by shooting at a home on Bert Street in Gosnells.
Seven people were reportedly inside the residence, and one adult man suffered minor injuries after glass shattered. The firearm believed to have been used has not been recovered, and the case remains before the courts.
The allegations have yet to be determined through the judicial process.
Disclaimer: This article is based on published reporting available as of October 20, 2026. The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in accordance with the law. Court proceedings and police investigations may produce further information or changes to the reported circumstances.