Christmas Eve Horror: Man, 39, ‘Fires Gun 12 Times, Attacks Pregnant Woman and Takes Aim at Cops in Two-Hour Siege’
- Gunman, 39, allegedly fires 12 shots in various locations inside a Whitlam home, with four shots aimed directly at police officers.
- The man is accused of assaulting a pregnant woman outside the house, before launching a two-hour siege that prompted a massive police response.
- Children, 2, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being trapped inside the house with the gunman.
- The man was refused bail and remanded in custody after a brief court appearance on Boxing Day, with his next court date set for next year.
In a terrifying Christmas Eve incident, a 39-year-old man is accused of unleashing a two-hour reign of terror in the usually quiet suburb of Whitlam, leaving a pregnant woman assaulted, children injured, and police officers fearing for their lives.
According to police, the man’s rampage began when he allegedly attacked a pregnant woman outside a house, before storming inside and firing a gun 12 times in various locations.
In a shocking development, police claim the man aimed his gun directly at them four times, making violent threats to the officers and two children trapped inside the house.
‘Please, Your Honour,’ the man pleaded with Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker during a brief court appearance on Boxing Day, but his bid for bail was refused, and he was remanded in custody.
The incident prompted a massive police response, with the Tactical Response Group descending on the suburb and closing roads as they worked to apprehend the gunman.
After about two hours, the man attempted to escape by scaling a fence behind the house but fell and was subsequently arrested.
A search of the home allegedly uncovered a black air rifle with a scope, and the children, 2, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In a stark warning to the community, police say the incident highlights the dangers they face every day, and the bravery of the officers who responded to the scene.
The man is due to return to court next year to face charges including assaulting a pregnant woman and firing at police.