Sydney 'Kill Crew' Suspect Faces Court After Dramatic Police Chase
A 20-year-old man accused of driving a suspected 'kill crew' through Sydney's western suburbs will remain behind bars after being denied bail in Parramatta Local Court. Magdy Hassan faced charges relating to weapons and stolen vehicle offences following a dramatic police pursuit that ended in a crash on Monday afternoon.
Schoolchildren's Tip-Off Leads to Arrests
The court heard that police were alerted to the suspicious vehicle by a group of schoolchildren who reportedly spotted balaclava-clad suspects travelling in a black Mercedes SUV. One student allegedly filmed the suspected criminal group before authorities were contacted, with Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser describing the tip-off as 'vital' to their operation.
'We acted upon it straight away and we had some results,' Detective Glasser confirmed to reporters. The police response led to a pursuit through Merrylands West, where the allegedly stolen Mercedes reached speeds of up to 80km/h before crashing into a parked car on Paton Street.
Weapons and Fuel Cans Found in Vehicle
Following the crash, investigators made several concerning discoveries within the vehicle. A loaded sawn-off shotgun and multiple jerrycans of petrol were seized from the Mercedes, which police described as characteristic of 'kill cars' used in Sydney's recent organised crime-linked shootings.
Three men were arrested near the crash scene: Hassan, 19-year-old Rodger Tell, and 22-year-old Kabu Bringi. A fourth suspect described by police as 'armed and dangerous' remains at large as the investigation continues.
Detective Glasser commented on the seriousness of the disrupted operation, stating: 'It's quite obvious that we've disrupted some further serious crime. It shows the level of planning that sometimes goes into these crimes.'
Bail Application Rejected
During Tuesday's court appearance, Hassan's lawyer described his client as a 'dedicated brother, warehouse worker and Blance Apparel entrepreneur' who could be safely released to live with his family in Penrith. The defence also assured the court that Hassan would 'not associate with any members of a gang known as APK'.
However, the police prosecutor strongly opposed bail, arguing that Hassan presented an 'extreme risk' to community safety. 'He's driving, [the crew] is armed with a sawed off loaded shotgun,' the prosecutor told the court. 'The court should consider what they were up to and the facts should raise a significant concern of public safety.'
Magistrate refused Hassan's bail application, ordering him to remain in custody until his next court appearance on January 16. The aspiring fashion businessman, who appeared in prison greens, pleaded not guilty to all charges including pursuit offences and failing to display P-plates.
Both Tell and Bringi are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday as police continue to investigate the alleged trio's intended activities at the time of their arrest.
