Young dad Brendan Leiby in critical condition after Sydney police shooting

The young father who was shot by police officers after he allegedly drove at them in a stolen car has been identified.

The young man who was shot in the neck by police officers after he allegedly drove at them in a stolen car has been identified as 26-year-old father Brendan Leiby.

7News reports the young father to three children is at Westmead Hospital in a critical condition after the shooting in Wentworthville in Sydney’s west on Friday.

In a teary video, his heartbroken mother says her son is likely to end up severely incapacitated if he survives.

“My son is in critical condition because of these police officers shooting him,” she said.

“And even if he does pull through he is going to be a vegetable the doctors tell me.

“My son didn’t deserve to lose his life over a stolen car.”

Brendan Leiby (pictured) was one of two men shot by police. Picture: 7News

Mr Leiby’s mother said her son would likely be severely incapacitated from the shooting. Picture: 7News

The shooting happened after the police responded to a stolen vehicle report filed by Penrith MP Karen McKeown.

The police located the car at a Wentworthville address.

“When police entered an underground carpark of a unit block, the stolen vehicle was allegedly driven at them,” the police said.

“Police discharged their firearms, injuring two men inside the stolen car.”

It is understood Mr Leiby was shot in the neck and a 34-year-old passenger was shot in the thigh.

Paramedics took both men to Westmead.

Police on the scene in Lane St, Wentworthville, where police discharged their firearms. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

It is understood the 34-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition.

Police have spoken to the families of both men, 7News reports, though possible charges against the two men have not been filed.

The police officers were not physically injured in the incident, the police said.

In a statement, Ms McKeown praised the police for their bravery.

“Political leaders often praise police for their bravery. Today, I have first-hand experience of this,” she said.

Originally published as Young dad Brendan Leiby in critical condition after Sydney police shooting