Three Men Arrested After Dramatic Sydney Police Chase Linked to Gang Shootings
Three men have been apprehended following a dramatic police pursuit through multiple suburbs in Sydney's west, with authorities alleging the stolen vehicle involved is connected to a series of shootings and firebombings across the city.
Police Attempt to Stop Stolen Vehicle
New South Wales Police reported that they first attempted to stop a stolen white Audi along the Great Western Highway in Wentworthville around 2:25 PM on Saturday. The Audi allegedly failed to stop, prompting a police chase that continued onto the M4 motorway.
During the pursuit, one of the occupants was observed throwing fuel jerry cans onto the road at Silverwater. Detective Inspector Brad Abdy from Strike Force Raptor, the city's gangland crime squad, stated, "We believe those items included fuel containers and bleach containers."
Vehicle Rammed and Occupants Flee
The stolen vehicle was eventually rammed by police along Hill Road in Lidcombe, where the three men fled from the car. Witness Jamie Mornin described the scene to 7NEWS, saying, "Three guys in black outfits, masks, everything, jump out and just jump off the bridge and start legging it across the road."
Police utilized PolAir and the Dog Squad to track the men, leading to their arrest after a foot chase. Mornin added, "Two of them make off right, one makes off left. There are about 10 or 12 police on foot running after this guy."
Firearms Found and Gang Links Confirmed
Inside the stolen Audi, police allegedly discovered a semi-automatic rifle and a pistol. Detective Inspector Abdy noted, "The original reporting was that they were also wearing balaclavas. What they were doing at Wentworth Park Leagues Club this afternoon is obviously very concerning."
The men, aged 24, 25, and 28, were taken to Auburn Police Station for further inquiries. Police confirmed on Saturday evening that the allegedly stolen Audi is linked to shootings and firebombings across southwest Sydney over recent weeks.
Series of Incidents Across Suburbs
These incidents include three in Panania, where a gun was fired at a home and a firebombing targeted the wrong property, as well as two more in St John's Park and Colleton. The firearms and vehicle have been seized for forensic examination as the investigation continues.
