UPDATE: A man has been charged after allegedly unleashing up to 50 bullets during a chaotic siege targeting police in Sydney’s inner west. Artemios Mintzas, aged 60, made his first court appearance following the incident, which left at least 16 people injured and one individual shot.
The violent standoff occurred on Sunday evening in Croydon Park around 7:45 PM. Witnesses reported that Mintzas fired indiscriminately at passing vehicles, including police cars, before his arrest at approximately 9:30 PM. Authorities confirmed he has been charged with 25 offences, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder.
During the brief session at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday, Mintzas did not apply for bail, which was formally denied. The hearing took a surprising turn when it was revealed that he had engaged two different legal teams, causing a dispute that required clarification in court. After confirming which solicitor would represent him, his case was adjourned for eight weeks, and he was returned to custody.
Mintzas is set to return to court on December 3 to face additional charges related to firearm possession and reckless endangerment. These include possessing a loaded firearm in a public place and discharging a firearm to resist arrest.
Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry provided an urgent update, stating, “It is incredible no one has died or received serious injuries because of this.” He noted that, remarkably, the incident did not appear to be related to drug or alcohol use. Parry emphasized the rarity of such incidents in his 35 years of service, highlighting the random nature of Mintzas’s attacks on vehicles.
Injuries among the victims were mostly minor, with paramedics treating 16 individuals at the scene. Two men were transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for further treatment. Mintzas himself sustained injuries to his eye socket during the chaos, caused by shattered glass.
Police recovered a 30-calibre firearm from Mintzas’s home, where the shooting originated. Authorities are currently investigating whether this weapon was legally owned, as Mintzas did not possess a gun license.
This shocking incident has shaken the local community and raised critical questions about public safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the motivations behind Mintzas’s actions and the potential for further legal repercussions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
