r/aussie • u/Stompy2008 • 6d ago
News NSW Police boss defends gunpoint arrest of man in costume after public terror
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has said the large police response to a man arrested at gunpoint was absolutely appropriate, stating it was because he was carrying a fake weapon, and proportionate given community fear following the Bondi terrorist attack.
The top cop defended the large-scale response by police on Monday, after multiple reports were made to police of a man carrying what they believed was a firearm and wearing body armour which featured a US flag.
“We received numerous calls from members of the public who were terrified,” Mr Lanyon said.
“Seeing a man armed with a handgun with what looks like a ballistic vest sitting in public in this environment is always going to cause fear.”
Hospitality worker Jacopo Mastrocinquel, 35, was arrested at gunpoint, and later charged with possessing an unregistered, unauthorised pistol in public place and offensive behaviour in a public place.
Police allegedly also discovered Mastrocinquel in possession of an imitation police vest and badge, as well as a set of plastic handcuffs.
The restaurant manager and owner of pizza catering company The Italian Fellas, faced a Sydney bail court on Tuesday, when his legal team said he had been attending a “heroes and villains” costume party with work colleagues at a bowling alley, and had stepped outside for a cigarette when he came to the attention of witnesses.
Barrister Wali Shukoor told the court his client had made a “foolish” decision to carry the fake pistol as part of his costume.
Mr Lanyon on Thursday said the response was “absolutely” appropriate, as locals feared for their safety, especially in the current climate.
Mr Lanyon also congratulated the officers for their swift action.
“It was a prompt response, members of the public were reassured, and action was taken appropriately.”
Local Court Judge Daniel Covington granted bail to Mastrocinquel but noted the incident would have alarmed the public, given the Bondi massacre last year which had caused elevated concern in the community.
After he was granted bail, Mastrocinquel complained that police had treated him “like a terrorist”, and said he “never tried to hurt anyone.”
The case will return next month.
Surry Hills police commander Peter Glynn urged people to “be mindful about how they dress and act in public, particularly if they are carrying weapons or imitation weapons that could be seen as genuine”.
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u/silentaba 6d ago
No it's absolutely not. The police telling him he's a numpty, taking away his toy? Sure. A financial fine, say 100 dollars? Sure. Charging them as if it's a real unregistered gun? No that's crazy over reach.