Kenneth John Giles: Gunman still on the run in Mid West after woman shot in hand at Mullewa

A gunman is still on the run more than 36 hours after a woman was shot near Mullewa.

Kenneth John Giles spent a second night evading police after disappearing into bushland near the Mid West town — about 100km east of Geraldton and 450km north of Perth — after an incident in which a woman was shot in the hand on Wednesday afternoon.

Air and ground patrols have been deployed in the search for the experienced bushman, with the 800ha area having a lot of abandoned shacks and mine shafts.

Mid West-Gascoyne District Supt Neil Vanderplank made a plea for the 58-year-old to turn himself in.

“This is a personal plea to Kenneth John Giles to please hand himself into police, make himself known,” he said.

“His safety and that of the community is paramount to WA Police.”

The woman, aged in her 40s, who was shot was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The West Australian understands she has since been flown to Royal Perth Hospital to receive corrective surgery.

Mr Giles is accused of fleeing the scene in a white Nissan patrol utility, registration 1BIY336.

Supt Vanderplank said several people, including a young child, were at the property at the time of the incident.

He said the shooting happened on the woman’s property, with officers still investigating the exact nature of the relationship between Mr Giles and the woman.

“At this stage, we’ve only got one person that’s been injured and that’s the female,” he said on Thursday,

“Everyone else has been removed from the scene and (there are) no other injuries.”

Supt Vanderplank said officers had received information from the public but there had been no reported sightings of Mr Giles.

“We have nothing to suggest that he’s departed the area, so that’s why we’re mainly focusing in the area around Mullewa,” he said.

“There is limited information as to the direction (he has gone), so our search has expanded.

“We have been told about him being a good bushman and things like that ... nothing to do specifically with his state of mind, that’s part of the investigation as well.”

Supt Vanderplank said the Mullewa district was home to various old shacks and mine shafts, with officers “primarily focusing around the incident site”.

“We’re expanding from there based on association,” he said.

Mullewa residents on Thursday seemed largely unconcerned about the ongoing police response, as they went about their normal day.

Some residents, who did not want to be named, said that they were not worried and that they had known Mr Giles for their whole lives.

Locals described Mr Giles as a Mullewa resident all his life, who was well-known in the area.

Acting Insp. Tom Micklewright said multiple people were present at the address where the shooting occurred and that they would be interviewed as part of the investigation. There is no information to suggest the other people did any wrongdoing.

“Significant resources have been deployed, both from the Mid West district, Geraldton and the Perth metropolitan area, the tactical response group, police airwing, other special specialist resources, which will be working throughout the night to resolve this incident,” he said.

A/Insp. Micklewright said police were treating the incident “extremely seriously” and would commit “all the resources that we have at our disposal” to any incident involving a firearm.

“Mr Giles, we would like to resolve this incident and ensure that everyone’s welfare is accounted for, so if you are listening, please make yourself known to police,” he added.

The City of Greater Geraldton covers the Mullewa area, with mayor Jerry Clune saying he was aware of the unfolding situation and that Mr Giles was “known to the Mullewa community”.

“It’s a live situation, police are handling it ... and putting quite a bit of resourcing into it,” he said.

“Everybody is on alert, and aware of the situation and taking the necessary precautions.”

“The town has gone very quiet at the moment, everyone is cautious and looking out for each other ... and making sure they don’t become exposed to the situation. Everything is a bit unknown at this stage.”

Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr shared her concerns about the incident.

“My thoughts are with the injured woman and with all those in the community who were present, witnessed, or have been affected by this incident,” she said.

“I’m also concerned about the welfare of the man alleged to be involved, and hope he is found soon.

“It is understandably unsettling, particularly in a small, close-knit community. This is a live incident being handled by WA Police, who are encouraging the public to remain vigilant and thank the community for their ongoing support.

“Anyone in the Mullewa area is urged to be aware of their surroundings and to keep an eye out for the vehicle of interest.”

St John WA remain on standby at Mullewa Police Station.

Mr Giles is described as being approximately 173cm tall with a medium build, brown hair and brown eyes.

“Anyone in the vicinity of Mullewa is advised to be aware of their surroundings and avoid travelling through the area,” he said.

The public is advised to not approach Mr Giles but instead call police immediately on triple-0.