A 21-year-old Pembroke man is in custody in relation to an attempted shooting in Hamilton on Wednesday, police have revealed.

Detective Inspector Jason Smith, appearing yesterday alongside Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons, also said there appeared to be “some element of gang activity” linked to the “targeted attack” directed at two men, who escaped injury.

The victims were followed as they left the Bermy Cuisine diner on Serpentine Road in a work truck at 1pm.

As they were exiting the premises, a gunman on a motorcycle fired one shot through the windscreen of the vehicle before escaping in the direction of Woodlands Road.

The victims were able to speed away down Dundonald Street, crashing into several vehicles before coming to a stop near the Masters Home Centre where they found shelter from their attacker.

Police executed a firearms warrant at 5pm on Thursday at a Pembroke home in connection with the incident.

A man who detectives wanted to speak with was not at the property, but at 9am yesterday that “person of interest” turned himself in at Hamilton Police Station, where he remains in custody.

At a press conference Mr Simons said that the attack was “very targeted”.

Expanding on those comments, Mr Smith said: “Our lines of inquiry in this investigation lead us to believe that this was not random.”

He would not confirm if the two targeted men were known to the police, but did say that officers had spoken to them.

He said: “Based upon the investigation, there is some element of gang activity.”

Mr Simons and Mr Smith praised members of the public who had come forward with information.

Mr Simons said: “In spite of this alarming incident, the response from our community with this investigation has been very encouraging. The information provided by caring members of our community has directly led to an arrest in this matter.

“This is a testament to what happens when the community and the police work hand-in-hand

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the community for the support they’ve given us thus far. I know they will continue to give us as this matter progresses.”

Mr Smith added that several eyewitnesses to the attack had helped police who were also given CCTV footage from members of the public.

“The investigation is very active, and we are continuing to pursue lines of inquiry in particular as public assistance continues to come in.

“I want to thank the community for your support. I think this is a fine example of when the community works together with the police — we can help to bring resolution and peace and tranquillity to our island.”

The commissioner pointed out that, while Wednesday’s incident was “alarming”, the number of shooting incidents this year was significantly down on last year.

In 2022, there were 28 firearms incidents and nine murders, compared with just seven firearms incidents and two murders so far this year.

“I appreciate we’re not yet at the end of the year, but that represents a significant reduction — but ‘zero’ is the number we want to get to,” he said.

Mr Simons also defended the BPS’s conviction rate, saying that it compares well with other jurisdictions.

There have been 92 murders since 2009, of which 61 have been solved.

“I think that when you compare our arrest rate and our conviction rate to other jurisdictions that have these issues we’re in that same category. It’s in line with other major jurisdictions.”

“There’s an amount of crime that is going to remain unsolved, and what we’re doing in relation to that is what you would expect from any other police service.”