Police Pursuit in Sydney’s West Ends with Arrests and Firearms Seizure
A police pursuit in Sydney's west on Saturday resulted in the arrest and charging of three men. The incident began when police observed a stolen vehicle and led to the seizure of multiple firearms and a subsequent court appearance.
Incident Timeline
On Saturday, just before 2:30 PM, officers from Strike Force Raptor observed a stolen white Audi on the Great Western Highway at Wentworthville. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, initiating a pursuit.
During the chase, which proceeded through several suburbs, police reported that occupants of the vehicle threw fuel jerry cans and bleach containers onto the M4 Motorway at Silverwater.
The vehicle was stopped by police using a tactical maneuver on Hill Road in Lidcombe. The three male occupants then fled from the vehicle on foot. Officers, assisted by PolAir and the Dog Squad, pursued and arrested all three men a short time later. Footage obtained by the ABC showed one man being detained by police officers under a motorway where the vehicle was stopped.
Items Seized
During a search of the vehicle, police reported finding and seizing the following items:
- A semi-automatic rifle
- A pistol
- Cloned number plates
Police stated the Audi had been reported stolen from an address in Edmonson Park in March.
"A semi-automatic rifle and a pistol were recovered from the stolen vehicle."
Charges Filed
All three men were charged with:
- Possession of an unregistered and prohibited firearm
- Possess an unregistered and unauthorised pistol in a public place
- Possess ammunition without holding a licence or permit
- Participate in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity
The 28-year-old driver faced two additional charges:
- Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner
- Police pursuit — not stop — drive recklessly
Two outstanding warrants for assault and domestic violence offences were also executed against the driver.
The two 24-year-old men were charged with being carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
Legal Proceedings
All three men were refused bail. They are due to appear before the Bail Division Local Court.
Police Appeal
Authorities have requested that anyone with information, dash-cam footage, or mobile phone footage contact Auburn Police Station or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.