Man charged with shooting at police allegedly had grenade, semiautomatic rifle: court

Police allege a man who fired at officers during a wild chase on New Year’s Eve was in possession of a grenade and semiautomatic rifle, court documents reveal.

A man who police allege fired at officers during a wild chase through Sydney’s west on New Year’s Eve was allegedly in possession of a grenade and semiautomatic rifle, court documents reveal.

Police were called to Edensor Park in Sydney’s southwest about 1.20am on December 31 following reports of someone trying to gain entry to a person’s home.

Officers were told two people, believed to be armed, fled the scene in a white Hyundai sedan.

The car was later spotted driving along Cowpasture Rd in Hinchinbrook, but it would not stop for police.

A second man has been arrested and charged after shots were allegedly fired at police during a pursuit in Sydney’s northwest. Picture: NSW Police

He was escorted to Mascot Police Station where an outstanding warrant was executed, and he was charged with 13 offences. Picture: NSW Police

Officers launched a pursuit which was called off soon afterwards due to safety concerns.

Police will allege shots were fired towards the oncoming police car that hit the bonnet of the vehicle.

No police officers were injured.

The car crashed on St Andrews Rd in Varroville about 1.50am, following the successful deployment of road spikes.

The driver of the vehicle, a 20-year-old man, was arrested at the scene while the passenger allegedly fled.

“During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly seized two pistols, an assault rifle, and other weapons,” a statement from NSW Police read.

“A number of spent cartridges were also located and seized at the scene.”

The 20-year-old driver, Faez Finau, has been charged and remains before the courts.

Police were called to a property in southwestern Sydney after reports of an attempted break and entry. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson

The wild pursuit was called off due to safety concerns. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson

On January 3, 20-year-old Paea Tuiniua was arrested by theAustralian Federal Policeat Brisbane Airport and taken to Brisbane Watchhouse.

He was escorted to Mascot Police Station where an outstanding warrant was executed.

Mr Tuiniua has since been charged with13 offences, including special aggravated break and enter with intent – armed with dangerous weapon, discharge firearm etc with intent to resist arrest, possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, and two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.

He appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday morning, where he did not apply for bail.

Two men have been arrested and charged following the pursuit. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson

Court documents reveal police allege Mr Tuiniua “discharged a pistol with intent to avoid arrest” and endangering the safety of a senior police constable while on St Andrews Rd in Varroville.

At the same location, police allege Mr Tuiniua was illegally in possession of a Berretta M9 9mm pistol, a Glock 19 Gen4, an AR 15 semiautomatic rifle, a grenade, and extended magazine.

He will reappear before Campbelltown Local Court in March.

It comes after the driver Mr Finau was arrested on a string of break and enter and weapons charges.

It’s alleged Mr Finau and the resident of the Edensor Park address are affiliated with an organised crime network.

“With the affiliation of the resident of the premises, we can only speculate that it’s gang-related,” NSW Police deputy commissioner Peter Thurtell said.

Mr Thurtell said two shots were fired at the police car during the pursuit, narrowly missing the officers and police dogs.

“Fortunately, the officer and the dog were uninjured,” he said.

“This was a very dangerous situation where the lives of our police officers were put at risk.”