A 60-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly firing about 50 high-powered rifle rounds from a flat in Croydon Park, Sydney, injuring 16 people. The incident unfolded over two hours on Sunday night, with police exchanging gunfire with the suspect before he was taken into custody.
Artemios Mintzas was discharged from hospital into police custody on Monday and is expected to face multiple firearm charges. Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry said Mintzas had minimal prior interactions with police and sustained minor injuries, including to his eye socket, but not during the exchange of fire.
Police seized a 30-calibre rifle from Mintzas's apartment above a business on Georges River Road. Investigators believe about 50 shots were fired, with some firearms capable of firing in quick succession. Forensic officers are examining two crime scenes, and members of the public have reported finding bullet casings.
Sixteen people were injured, with five treated in hospital. A man in his 50s underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the neck, the only direct gunfire injury. Others were hurt by shattered glass or treated for shock. Police said there is no evidence linking the incident to organised crime or terrorism.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King described the event as unprecedented for Sydney, noting the high number of shots fired. He expressed relief that no fatalities occurred, attributing this to the tactical response by specialist police. The investigation continues into how Mintzas obtained the rifle and whether he held a firearms licence.
