- Man charged with allegedly brandishing a knife
- An incident occurred at Parramatta Westfield
A man has been charged after allegedly brandishing a knife at another customer’s head at a busy Westfield complex.
Lachlan Ebejer, aged in his 20s, entered Parramatta Westfield at around 9.30am on Saturday and allegedly shoplifted.
Police say he then entered a second store and armed himself with a knife, which he then brandished behind a customer’s head.
The customer confronted Ebejer, who then left the scene, leaving the knife behind, according to police.
Officers arrived at the Westfield shortly afterward and attempted to arrest Ebejer, who police say attempted to assault officers in the process.
They then searched the man and seized 69 gift cards and a pair of earrings, which had allegedly been stolen.
Ebejer was taken to Parramatta Police Station and charged with shoplifting, possession of property, using a knife in a public place, putting a person in fear of safety and intimidating a police officer in the execution of duty.
He was refused bail and will appear in Parramatta Local Court today.
The 24-year-old entered Parramatta Westfield at around 9.30am on Saturday and allegedly stole from a shop.
Scentre Group, which operates 42 Westfield shopping centres in Australia, launched a review of its security processes earlier this year after a man killed six people and injured more with a knife at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13.
The company has since increased the number of security personnel and implemented stab-proof vests for security officers.
Scentre Group has been contacted for comment.
