Two arrested after police pursuit across Western Sydney with shots fired

In a dramatic police operation this morning, two men were arrested following a pursuit across western Sydney, which involved shots fired by officers. The incident unfolded in the Lalor Park area, but ultimately resulted in the apprehension of the suspects in Katoomba.

Police said the incident began at about 8:15 am when Blacktown Police Area Command received information about a suspicious activity involving a man swapping number plates on a black Holden Commodore sedan. Responding to the report, police located the vehicle on Freeman Street, Lalor Park around 9:30 am. However, when the driver failed to comply with their directions to stop, officers initiated a high-speed chase.

Police embarked on a high-speed chase through Western Sydney.

Additional resources were called in to support the pursuit. The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, as well as PolAir, joined forces to track the vehicle as it raced eastward, passing through multiple nearby suburbs.

Around 10:40 am, officers attempted another stop near Gibbon and Old Windsor roads, Winston Hills. A senior constable, part of the esteemed Raptor Squad, made an effort to apprehend the slowing vehicle. However, police said the driver unexpectedly accelerated, propelling the officer onto the bonnet of a nearby police vehicle. Police then fired a number of shots towards the sedan, which continued its escape onto the North West T-Way.

A 21-year-old man exited the car and was apprehended. However, the driver fled the scene, speeding northward on Old Windsor Road. The pursuit intensified as the driver accessed the M7, heading west, and subsequently transitioned to the M4 and the Great Western Highway.

Authorities deployed road spikes in an attempt to immobilize the vehicle at Springwood around 11:15 am. Undeterred, the driver persisted westward on the Great Western Highway, all while being monitored by PolAir.

Encountering traffic congestion past Katoomba, the driver executed a U-turn and reversed direction, heading east on the Great Western Highway. At approximately 11:40 am, specialised operatives from the Tactical Operations Unit executed a high-risk vehicle stop near Woodlands Road on the Great Western Highway in Katoomba.

The chase ended hours later in Katoomba.

Using a Taser, police successfully apprehended the 21-year-old driver, bringing the chase to an end. Following his arrest, the suspect received medical assessment at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being transported to Katoomba Hospital, where he is currently under police guard.

Meanwhile, the first arrested man was taken to Blacktown Police Station, where he is assisting authorities with their inquiries.

The 21-year old suspect remains under police guard in Katoomba Hospital.

The Raptor Squad officer involved in the earlier confrontation was assessed by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment and has since resumed duty.

As crime scene examinations are conducted at Winston Hills and Katoomba, several roads remain closed or impacted. Motorists are advised to steer clear of these areas if possible and adjust their travel plans accordingly. For up-to-date information, Live Traffic can be accessed at www.livetraffic.com.

Authorities urge anyone with relevant information, including dash-cam footage or eyewitness accounts, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or through the website https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

It is important to note that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media platforms.