A 17-year-old boy is facing serious charges after an alleged machete attack on a rideshare driver in Sydney's west, following a dispute over playing music in the car.
Altercation Over Bluetooth Connection Turns Violent
The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday on Patrick Street in Blacktown. According to New South Wales Police, the teenage passenger asked the 31-year-old driver if he could connect his phone to the car's Bluetooth system. When the driver refused the request, the situation escalated dramatically.
Police allege the teenager, armed with a machete, then assaulted the driver inside the vehicle. The attacker fled the scene on foot, heading in an unknown direction.
Driver Hospitalised, Teenager Arrested Hours Later
Officers who responded to the call found the driver sitting in his Toyota sedan, suffering from a laceration to his arm. Paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to Westmead Hospital. Authorities confirmed he was in a stable condition.
A major police operation led to the arrest of a 17-year-old boy approximately three hours after the alleged attack. He was taken into custody at a home on Valeria Street in Toongabbie, also located in Sydney's western suburbs.
Serious Charges Laid in Children's Court
The teenager was taken to Blacktown Police Station where he was formally charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. This is an extremely serious offence under NSW law.
The accused was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before a Children's Court on Sunday. The case highlights the potential dangers faced by rideshare drivers and the severe consequences of violent crime.
