Western Sydney Unit Block Shooting: Two Arrested as Police Urge Others to Surrender
A fatal shooting at a western Sydney unit block has led to the arrest of two men, with police issuing a stern warning to other alleged offenders that “the net is closing very quickly.” The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, resulted in the death of 38-year-old Abdallah Bahsa, who was fatally wounded inside a unit on Shale Street in Lidcombe. A second man, identified in court documents as Harish Ramasawmy, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the alleged assault at the scene and was transported to Westmead Hospital.
The investigation has moved swiftly, with authorities apprehending Alpay Albayir, 21, later that day. Albayir was reportedly involved in a traffic incident, crashing into a parked car on Boronia Street in Ermington around 1:30 pm on Monday. Upon arrival, police discovered a firearm within the vehicle he was driving. He has since been charged with murder and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the Lidcombe shooting.
Just hours later, around 8 pm on Monday, a second arrest was made. Joshua Yeboah, 22, was taken into custody by police during a raid on a residence on Spurway Street, also in Ermington. Yeboah has been subsequently charged with murder.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Both Albayir and Yeboah appeared before Burwood Local Court on Tuesday. Neither man applied for bail, and their cases have been adjourned. They are scheduled to return to court on May 13th.
Despite these arrests, Superintendent Robert Toynton confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with police actively searching for a number of other individuals believed to be involved in the alleged targeted attack. Superintendent Toynton issued a direct appeal to those still at large: “You should consider handing yourself in.”
The shooting has been described by police as having “strong links to organised crime.” The location of the incident, a high-density unit block situated near Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park, has raised concerns among residents and investigators alike.
Residents Recount Disturbing Events
Superintendent Toynton appealed to the public for information on Monday, stating, “Someone must have seen something. Someone must have heard something. Someone must have seen a car, or these offenders leaving on foot.”
Some residents, who were seen leaving the area on Monday, reported hearing a loud bang in the pre-dawn hours. One individual, speaking anonymously to the Herald, recounted their initial confusion, believing the numerous emergency vehicles arriving at the scene were responding to a fire. This resident also expressed unease about the building’s occupants, remarking, “I see a lot of ‘druggie’ types coming and going … always someone suss in and out of the building.”
Detectives were a visible presence outside the complex, directing the investigation. Officers were observed removing large bags from the scene, indicating the meticulous collection of evidence.
Broader Pattern of Violence
This incident is not isolated, as it follows a spate of violence in the region. Just days prior, on Thursday night, two men were hospitalised following a brawl that escalated to gunfire in Chester Hill. The ongoing investigations aim to understand the connections between these events and bring all responsible parties to justice.
