Police Officer Seriously Injured in Violent Sword Attack
A 28-year-old probationary police constable is awaiting surgery after being seriously wounded in a violent confrontation in Sydney's south-west on Friday night. Andrea Surace has been charged with 11 serious offences following the incident, which saw the officer stabbed in the upper right thigh with a 50cm sword.
Frenzied Assault on Officers
According to investigators, four officers were dispatched to a property on Werombi Road in Grasmere around 5:20pm on Friday. The team, comprising two probationary constables and two senior officers, were conducting a welfare check and investigating a reported breach of an apprehended violence order.
Police allege that upon their arrival, Surace launched a frenzied assault. It is claimed he first threw a spear before charging at officers while brandishing a sword. Superintendent Paul Condon stated that officers deployed several tactical options, including a Taser and OC spray, but were initially unsuccessful in subduing the suspect.
Life-Saving Efforts and Arrest
The situation escalated rapidly when Surace allegedly stabbed the 28-year-old probationary constable, causing a deep 20cm wound. Fellow officers immediately provided critical first aid, applying tourniquets to stem the bleeding before NSW Ambulance crews arrived.
The injured officer was airlifted to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Superintendent Condon described the body-worn camera footage as 'extremely distressing' and praised the bravery of all four officers involved, stating their quick thinking likely prevented a tragedy.
Surace was eventually arrested after being Tasered and taken into custody. Detectives later seized a knife, hatchet, and spear from the scene. An image shared to Surace's social media account shows him holding what appears to be a sword and a spear, though the Daily Mail could not confirm if they were the same weapons used.
Multiple Serious Charges Laid
Andrea Surace faces a total of 11 charges, including:
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Four counts of wounding with intent to resist arrest
- Wounding a police officer in the line of duty
- Using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
- Resisting police
- Breaching bail conditions
- Contravening an apprehended violence order
He is scheduled to face court on Sunday and will appear again on Monday for a hearing related to an Apprehended Violence Application.
