A 60-year-old expatriate, Artemius Mintzas, has been charged with 25 offences, including attempted murder, after a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday night at Croydon Park in the western suburbs of Sydney.
According to New World, the area was put on lockdown for about two hours after reports of an armed man on Georges River Road, near Brighton Street. NSW Police described the operation as “extremely dangerous.”
I'm at the scene in Croydon Park where last night and active shooter allegedly fired up to 100 bullets down into the street below. It caused the suburb to be locked down. 16 people treated at the scene, one person fighting for life in hospital. Details on @SkyNewsAust pic.twitter.com/TmT6gIeqfj
— Kenny Heatley (@KennyHeatley) October 5, 2025
Authorities say Minjas allegedly fired up to 50 shots, “randomly and indiscriminately”, from an apartment window above a commercial store, hitting 13 vehicles and a bus stop.
NSW Ambulance provided care to 16 people with minor injuries, while two men were taken to the hospital; one underwent emergency surgery following neck and chest injuries.
At about 9:30 p.m., special police forces entered the apartment and arrested Minja, confiscating a .30-caliber gun and ammunition. The arrestee was transported to the hospital under police guard with a wound to the eye from broken glass and then returned to the Burwood Police Station.
On Monday night, he was charged with attempted manslaughter, as well as offenses related to unlawful possession of a firearm, shooting in a public place, and resisting arrest.
On Tuesday, October 7, Mintzas was brought before Burwood Local Court. There, he was denied bail.
Police said there was no evidence of any connection to organized crime or terrorist groups, nor a recorded history of mental health problems.
“He is a 60-year-old man with two children and little contact with police over the past 20 years,” police official Stephen Parry said.
According to ABC News, Mintzas is employed by Sydney Trains.
Investigations are continuing by the Strike Force Cornwood task force, which is looking into the cause and circumstances of the incident that has shocked the local community.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions