Greek Australian fires at passers by in Sydney - 16 injured

October 7, 2025
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

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Greek Australian fires at passers by in Sydney - 16 injured

A 60-year-old Greek Australian Artemios (Artie) Mintzas, has been charged with 25 offences, including attempted murder, following the shooting incident that took place on Sunday night (Australian time) in Croydon Park, in Sydney’s western suburbs.

According to the Australian newspaper “Neos Kosmos”, police said there was no evidence of Mintzas’s connection to organised crime or terrorist groups, nor a recorded history of mental health problems. “He is a 60-year-old man with two children and minimal contact with the police over the last 20 years,” said police officer Stephen Parry.

The area was cordoned off for about two hours after reports of a gunman on Georges River Road, near Brighton Street. NSW Police described the operation as “extremely dangerous.”

Mintzas fired 50 shots indiscriminately, injuring 16 people
According to authorities, Mintzas allegedly fired up to 50 shots, “randomly and indiscriminately,” from an apartment window above a shopping mall, hitting 13 vehicles and a bus stop. NSW Ambulance treated 16 people with minor injuries, while two men were taken to hospital; one underwent emergency surgery after suffering neck and chest injuries.

The perpetrator has been arrested - The charges against him
At around 9.30pm (local time), special police forces stormed the apartment and arrested the Greek expatriate, seizing a .30 caliber gun and ammunition. The man was taken to hospital under police guard with an eye injury from broken glass and later returned to Burwood Police Station.

On Monday night he was charged with attempted murder, as well as offences relating to unlawful possession of a firearm, shooting in a public place and resisting arrest.

On Tuesday (7/10), Mintzas appeared before Burwood Local Court where he was refused bail.

Artemios Mintzas profile
Police said there was no evidence of links to organised crime or terrorist groups, nor a recorded history of mental health problems.

“He is a 60-year-old man with two children and has had very little contact with the police for the past 20 years,” said police officer Stephen Parry.

According to ABC News, Mintzas works at Sydney Trains.

Investigations are continuing by the special Strike Force Cornwood team, which is examining the causes and circumstances of the incident that has shocked the local community.