Police charge group allegedly responsible for frightening inner-city robberies, injuring officers
THIS is the dramatic moment a gang allegedly armed with a sword and wanted over a series of terrifying robberies in Sydney were arrested, leaving two police officers injured.
NSW
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A MAN and three teenagers allegedly armed with a sword and wanted over a series of terrifying robberies have been charged after two police officers were injured in a dramatic arrest last night.
The gang, who police claim have been involved in three thefts over the past 10 days, were believed to be preparing for another in Alexandria, when police located and arrested them at 5.30pm on Wednesday night.
In an attempt to get away, the gang who were driving a stolen Mercedes AMG, rammed into four police cars — two of them unmarked — leaving two officers injured.
A 27-year-old female police officer received treatment for minor head injuries at St George hospital overnight.
A dog squad vehicle arriving at the scene was also hit and a male police officer suffered cuts to his arms and legs.
MORE: POLICE RELEASE CCTV IMAGES OF SWORD GANG
Behind the wheel was a 20-year-old Greystanes man, who fronted Parramatta Court via audio visual today, faced a number of charges including theft, reckless driving and drug possession.
The three teenagers, two aged 16 and one 17, went before children’s court but none applied for bail.
The 16-year-old boy was charged with armed robbery, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, resist officer in execution of duty, and breach of bail.
The second 16-year-old boy was charged with armed robbery, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, resist officer in execution of duty, and aggravated break, enter and steal.
The 17-year-old boy was charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, and aggravated break, enter and steal.
Located in the back of the vehicle was a sharp pruning sword which police will allege was used to rob a man on Quay St, Haymarket at 4am on July 30.
MORE: POLICE RUSH TO SCENE AFTER COP INJURED
The victim was punched in the side and back of his head and after he fell to the ground, one of his assailants produced a sword before taking his mobile phone.
Police say the gang have been on their radar for the past week following the string of robberies.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton applauded the efforts of officers, undercover detectives and DOG squad members who acted “professionally” and “rapidly” to arrest the gang.
“As can be seen in the video released by police, they acted professionally and rapidly to an unfolding dangerous situation to stop these accused,” he said.
“They put themselves in harm’s way … It was a great response, very professional …”
Police also praised the efforts of the public, who assisted in the eventual arrest.
“When we employ millions of other people in that process we are much more effective,” Comm Walton said.
Strike Force Java investigators who target armed robbers have now taken its arrest tally to 25 over the past two weeks.