Member of notorious western suburbs family escapes death after apparent murder attempt Macchour Chaouk's nephew Ali has broken the family's silence to defend his uncle's reputation. Machhour Chaouk's nephew Ali Chaouk. Picture: Aaron Francis Source: News Limited A MEMBER of a notorious western suburbs family has escaped death after an apparent murder attempt in Melbournes west. Ali Chaouk, 29, was dumped at the Western Hospital in Sunshine this morning after being shot in the head. Mr Chaouk, of Taylors Hill, has undergone surgery for his injuries after being left at the hospital in Furlong Rd at 3.15am. The Victoria Police Santiago task force, which was set up in 2008 to probe a chain of non-fatal shootings in the northern and western suburbs, is investigating. Life and times of Macchour Chaouk Macchour Chaouk shooting Mr Chaouk is not a son of Macchour Chaouk, the patriarch shot dead at his family's Brooklyn home in 2010. It was the second time he has been shot within weeks. Ali Chaouk, who has a cousin also named Ali who is the son of Macchour, was shot in the hand outside serviced apartments in Kensington after being confronted by a group of men in March. It is understood he refused to make a statement to police who attempted to interview him in hospital. Police have become increasingly frustrated by shooting victims refusing to give statements.