Community ‘shocked’ after deadly altercation during home invasion
Harrington Park’s tight-knit community has been rattled after the death of an alleged intruder from the neighbouring suburb of Oran Park following a home invasion on Sunday morning.
Macarthur
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An autopsy will be carried out tomorrow on alleged intruder, personal trainer Bradley Soper, who died after a confrontation with a homeowner in Harrington Park.
The suburb’s tight-knit community has been rattled after the death of the 35 year old, from the neighbouring suburb of Oran Park, following an alleged home invasion at 7.30am on Sunday.
Johan Schwartz, 44, was released without charge from Narellan police station after 10 hours of questioning.
The Harrington Park community has voiced their support for Mr Schwartz, describing him as a “good family man”.
Harrington Park cafe owner and resident Michael Nemra said the overwhelming sentiment of customers was behind the homeowner.
“This morning I’ve served lots of school teachers, builders and the like — they all feel the same. He was just trying to defend his family,” Mr Nemra said.
A neighbour of Mr Schwartz, who did not wish to be named, shared Mr Nemra’s sentiments.
“No one should just approach someone’s house ,” he said. “People should have the right to defnd their own home.”
A Harrington Park business owner, who did not wish to be named, said the incident had shaken members of the community.
“Customers are naturally sad with the news,” he said.
“Harrington Park is considered one of the safest places in the area.”
The Schwartz house, which overlooks Harrington Forest, was built less than three years ago in the exclusive Harrington Grove estate.
The suburb has a break and enter rate three times below the state average.
One resident said their biggest problems were usually kangaroos and spiders.
A grandmother, who lives 100m away from the site of incident, said it left her rattled. “It’s terrifying. You can’t even be safe in your home,” she said. “My husband is always saying ‘you don’t have to lock the doors, it’s a safe community’. This has really shaken me up.”
Camden PAC crime manager Detective Inspector Shane Woolbank said inquiries were continuing.
“Hopefully the autopsy, will give us some answers on questions which remain outstanding,” he said.
Inspector Woolbank said it was too early to indicate if charges would be laid.