Overview of the Case
A 60-year-old man linked to Sydney Trains appeared in Burwood Local Court on Tuesday charged with more than two dozen offences following an alleged shooting spree in Sydney’s inner west during the grand final night. Artemios Mintzas, a Transport for NSW employee who worked as a customer service attendant for Sydney Trains, faced the court after police say he fired a high-calibre rifle from his Croydon Park apartment on Georges River Road, unleashing a 90-minute period of terror along a busy shopping strip.
Officials say Mintzas fired roughly 50 bullets, with at least 25 identified as shooting with intent to murder. The alleged incident caused injuries to at least eight people, including a man who suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. Paramedics treated multiple victims at the scene, and several bystanders were hurt by shattered glass as the window of Mintzas’ apartment was struck by bullets.
What Happened on Grand Final Night
Police described the attack as indiscriminate, beginning around 7:45pm on Sunday, just after the NRL grand final kick-off. The gunman fired from an elevated position, with bullets hitting vehicles and a nearby police car. Witnesses recalled glass shattering from the apartment window opposite the street, forcing pedestrians to take cover behind cars and seek shelter in nearby storefronts.
Emergency responders conducted a large-scale operation as officers stormed the apartment around 9:30pm. Mintzas was taken into custody after a police entry. A .30-calibre rifle was seized from the unit during the incident. He sustained minor injuries and was later released into police custody. He did not apply for bail, and magistrates formally refused his release; he is due back in court in December.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Mintzas faces a broad slate of charges, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder and additional firearms offences. The indictment alleges firing a firearm in or near a public place, discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest, possessing an unregistered firearm, and other related gun offences. The case has triggered a broader discussion about public safety and the preparedness of emergency services during fast-moving, high-risk incidents.
During the Tuesday hearing, Mintzas appeared with his wrists in view through the dock window, wearing a blue uniform and with visible bruising around his eyes. His legal team initially clashed briefly over representation, but it was later confirmed that barrister Dymphna Hawkins would represent him. Outside the courtroom, Hawkins stated that Mintzas is coping in custody, adding, “He’s doing OK.”
Impact on the Community and Officials’ Response
The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, commended the police and emergency services for their rapid response, highlighting that the scene could have been far worse given the weaponry involved. “All the police officers who were there stayed in their ground, kept the community safe, and I’ve got no doubt, saved scores of lives,” Minns said on a briefing in the wake of the event.
Witnesses described a chaotic period with people sheltering behind vehicles and businesses closing early as investigators work to piece together the motive. At least 20 people were treated at the scene, with five subsequently admitted to hospital for further care. Police have stated that they have not uncovered a manifesto or any clear motive as investigations continue.
What Happens Next
Mintzas will return to court on December 3 for further proceedings. Authorities say they will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including Mintzas’ history and possible triggers that led to the alleged spree. The case underscores the ongoing need for coordination among police, paramedics, and public transport services in responding to unpredictable, high-risk incidents.
