Two men are in custody following an alleged daylight attempt to kidnap a young woman at knifepoint in Sydney's south-west. Police responded to reports on Browne Parade in Warwick Farm around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, where a 27-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted and robbed while changing a flat tyre.
Details of the Incident
According to police, Saer Elchaar, 24, and Mohammed Thahirdeen, 22, threatened the woman with a knife and tried to force her into a Kia SUV before bystanders intervened. The suspects then fled in the vehicle. The victim sustained facial and leg injuries and was taken to hospital. Detectives established a crime scene and launched an investigation.
Swift Arrests
Less than two hours later, police arrested two men at separate locations 12 kilometres away in Auburn. Elchaar was taken into custody on West Street, while Thahirdeen was detained nearby on the riverbank at Duck Creek. One suspect was wearing a matching camouflage tracksuit at the time of arrest. Local residents reported seeing up to a dozen police vehicles surrounding a dog park as officers inspected and dusted the Kia for fingerprints. An officer assured onlookers, 'Don't worry, you're safe, the suspects are in custody.'
Charges and Court Appearance
Both men have been charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon, and aggravated robbery involving corporal violence. They did not appear via videolink when their cases were mentioned at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday. Police alleged in court that the men waited for the woman in a Liverpool carpark before following her to Browne Parade. Court documents state a 20-centimetre switchblade was used to steal the victim's iPhone. It is believed the woman did not know her alleged attackers. Elchaar and Thahirdeen did not apply for bail and are scheduled to reappear in court on July 30.
NSW Police Acting Inspector Andrew Sweeney described the incident as a 'very scary' targeted attack, noting the victim appears to be an innocent party.
