A man has been extradited from Queensland to NSW after he allegedly fired shots at police during a wild chase on New Year’s Eve.
Police were called to Edensor Park in Sydney’s southwest about 1.20am on December 31 following reports of someone trying to gain entry to a person’s home.
Officers were told two people, believed to be armed, fled the scene in a white Hyundai sedan.
The car was later spotted driving along Cowpasture Rd in Hinchinbrook, but it would not stop for police.
Officers launched a pursuit which was called off soon afterwards due to safety concerns.
Police were called to a property in southwestern Sydney after reports of an attempted break and entry. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson
Police will allege shots were fired towards the oncoming police car that hit the bonnet of the vehicle.
No police officers were injured.
The car crashed on St Andrews Rd in Varroville about 1.50am, following the successful deployment of road spikes.
The driver of the vehicle, a 20-year-old man, was arrested at the scene while the passenger fled.
“During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly seized two pistols, an assault rifle, and other weapons,” a statement from NSW Police read.
“A number of spent cartridges were also located and seized at the scene.”
The wild pursuit was called off due to safety concerns. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson
The 20-year-old driver, Faez Finau, has been charged and remains before the courts.
Despite extensive searches for the passenger of the vehicle, he could not be located.
On January 3, a 20-year-old man was arrested at Brisbane Airport and taken to Brisbane Watchhouse.
He has since been charged with several offences, including special aggravated break and enter with intent – armed with dangerous weapon, discharge firearm etc with intent to resist arrest, possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, and two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
The man was refused bail and is set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
Two men have been arrested and charged following the pursuit. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson
It comes after the driver Mr Finau was arrested on a string of break and enter and weapons charges.
It’s understood Mr Finau and the resident of the Edensor Park address are affiliated with an organised crime network.
“With the affiliation of the resident of the premises, we can only speculate that it’s gang-related,” NSW Police deputy commissioner Peter Thurtell said.
Mr Thurtell said two shots were fired at the police car during the pursuit, narrowly missing the officers and police dogs.
“Fortunately, the officer and the dog were uninjured,” he said.
“This was a very dangerous situation where the lives of our police officers were put at risk.”