Sydney Shooting: Man in Custody After Croydon Park Gunfire Spree
A 60-year-old man is in custody following a harrowing shooting incident in Sydney’s Croydon Park on Sunday night, where he allegedly fired at least 50 bullets at members of the public. The suspect, identified as Artemios Mintzas, an employee of Sydney Trains, engaged in a two-hour standoff with police, resulting in a lockdown of the inner-west suburb and leaving one man critically injured.
Croydon Park Under Siege: A Night of Chaos
Just after 7:45 PM on Sunday, reports of an active shooter prompted a swift response from law enforcement, plunging Croydon Park into lockdown. Witnesses described a scene of terror as Mintzas allegedly fired shots from a unit window on Georges River Road, striking vehicles and a nearby bus shelter. Locals were forced to take cover as gunfire rang out, with one eyewitness describing the situation as feeling “like a movie.”
Tactical officers exchanged gunfire with Mintzas in what authorities described as a “highly dangerous operation.” The suspect was eventually arrested around 9:30 PM after sustaining injuries during the confrontation. He was initially hospitalized before being transferred to Burwood Police Station for questioning.
Victim in Critical Condition, Multiple Minor Injuries
A man in his 50s sustained critical injuries, suffering gunshot wounds to the neck and chest while traveling with his family. He underwent emergency surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and is now expected to survive, according to Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry. “My understanding is that the injuries are not life-threatening and he is expected to survive thankfully,” Parry stated.
In addition to the critically injured man, at least 16 others suffered minor injuries, including cuts from shattered glass and shrapnel, and were treated for shock.
Investigation Reveals No Known Motive or Mental Health History
Police are currently working to determine a motive for the shooting, but have stated that Mintzas had no known connections to organized crime or terrorism. Notably, authorities have confirmed that Mintzas has “no mental health history” known to police and “very few” prior interactions with law enforcement.
“It is incredible no one has died or received serious injuries because of this,” Acting Superintendent Parry remarked. “In my 35 years in the police there’s been very few incidents of this nature where someone is firing randomly, targeting people in the street driving past in vehicles.”
A 30-calibre rifle was seized at the scene, and detectives are investigating whether the firearm was legally owned, as Mintzas does not possess a gun license. Acting Commissioner Trent King confirmed the shooting did not appear to be related to drugs or alcohol.
Community Response and Political Reaction
The shooting has shaken the multicultural suburb of Croydon Park, known for its mixed-residential housing and popularity with young families. Premier Chris Minns praised the bravery of the responding police officers and emergency services, stating, “I saw firsthand the composure, professionalism and courage of the officers who responded to this life-threatening incident.” He emphasized that “there is no place for this sort of violence in our state.”
Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li reassured residents that the community remains safe and that police have the situation under control.
Ongoing Investigation and Suspect Cooperation
As of Monday midday, Mintzas was “speaking freely with police,” according to Acting Superintendent Parry. Authorities have been in contact with his family, including his adult children. The shopping strip in Croydon Park remains a crime scene as forensic officers continue to gather evidence.
