Four charged, handgun seized after investigation into public place shooting and murder attempt, NSW

Criminal Groups Squad detectives have charged a further four people and seized a firearm as part of an investigation into a public place shooting and conspiracy to kidnap and murder another man in Sydney’s west last month.

On Tuesday 28 September 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad received information relating to a public place shooting outside a home on William Street, Merrylands, which occurred the night before.

Subsequent inquiries revealed the public place shooting allegedly formed part of a conspiracy to murder another man and involved several associates of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG).

So far during the investigation, eight men – aged between 20 and 48 – have been arrested over their alleged roles in the incident. They remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a property on the Great Western Highway at Parramatta, from 6am today (Wednesday 20 October 2021).

During the search, police seized a loaded handgun, nearly $23,000 cash, 6L of liquid GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and an electronic stun device.

All items seized will undergo further forensic examination.

Four people – three men and a woman – were arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station.

A 28-year-old Merrylands man was charged with nine offences, including;

  • Aggravated break and enter dwelling in company,
  • possess unauthorised firearm (x2),
  • steal motor vehicle,
  • fire firearm at dwelling – house with disregard for safety,
  • possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit,
  • participate criminal group contribute criminal activity,
  • possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and,
  • not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm.

A 27-year-old Mt Druitt man was charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling in company, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

Police will allege in court that the men were involved in an aggravated break and enter at a unit at North Rocks and stole a vehicle later used in the public place shooting at Merrylands last month.

The men were both refused bail and are due to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 21 October 2021).

A 24-year-old Parramatta woman was charged with possess unauthorised firearm. She was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 1 December 2021.

Additionally, a 20-year-old Baulkham Hills man was charged with breach of bail. He was remanded in custody and appeared at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 20 October 2021).

Investigations by Criminal Groups Squad detectives continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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