NSW Police have made their inaugural arrest under a new taskforce aimed at combating the escalating gang violence in Sydney. This development coincided with the funeral of a young tradesman who was reportedly caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.
Authorities from the newly formed Taskforce Falcon apprehended a 16-year-old boy, alleged to have supplied a vehicle—dubbed a ‘kill car’—to a suspected group of hitmen in Sydney’s western suburbs. The teenager was driving a stolen Mercedes at the time of his arrest in Guildford, where law enforcement reportedly discovered an alarming cache of weapons. This included a fully loaded AR-15 assault rifle, a jerry can of fuel, a handgun, ammunition, face masks, and cable ties.
Superintendent Jason Box remarked on the serious nature of the situation, emphasising that “it was obviously put to be used [for] a serious offence; we suspect an attempted murder.” While the seizure of the vehicle may have interrupted a potential assault, police remain concerned about the continued existence of a hit team still in the field, potentially targeting intended victims.
The arrest underscores a disconcerting trend of the underworld increasingly recruiting younger individuals to facilitate violent acts. “It’s extremely serious [what they are involved in]—the repercussions are enormous for them,” Detective Superintendent Box stated.
The teenager now faces multiple charges, including motor vehicle theft, vehicle disposal, and driving without a licence.
This backdrop of crime intersects with the tragic story of John Versace, a 23-year-old who was shot dead in Condell Park. Friends and family marked his funeral today, suspecting that his death may have been a case of mistaken identity, given that he had no prior criminal record. The rising violence in Sydney’s underbelly has left communities shaken and seeking answers.