Faez Finau, 20, identified as man allegedly busted with AR 15-style rifle, pistol after cops allegedly shot at during pursuit

A man arrested after police were shot at during a wild pursuit through Sydney was allegedly in possession of an AR 15-style rifle and a pistol used in a botched ambush. Faez Finau, 20, did not appear before Parramatta Bail Court on New Year’s Day where he was refused bail as he faces a string of break and enter and weapons charges. Police were called to a home in Edensor Park about 1.30am on Tuesday morning, following reports of a man attempting to gain entry. Upon arrival, officers were told two people, believed to be armed with a firearm, had left the scene in a Hyundai sedan that was later spotted on Cowpasture Rd in Hinchinbrook. Police allege the vehicle failed to stop, leading to a pursuit. However it was terminated a short time later due to concerns about safety. It is further alleged an unknown occupant of the vehicle fired at police during the pursuit. Later, the same car was stopped by road spikes on St Andrews Rd in Varroville. The driver of the vehicle – 20-year-old Mr Finau – was arrested at the scene, while another male passenger allegedly fleeing on foot. During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized two pistols, an assault rifle, and other weapons, as well as a number of spent cartridges at the scene. Police allege in court documents Mr Finau attempted to enter the single-story home, occupied by a man and a woman, while armed with a Beretta M9 9mm pistol. Officers allege Mr Finau did so with the intent to “discharge (a) firearm to cause grievous bodily harm” and intended to intimidate the occupants with the pistol. Mr Finau was charged with possession of the gun – which was the standard issue side-arm for the United States Armed Forces from 1985. It was replaced in 2017. At the time, police allege Mr Finau did not have a permit for the weapon, nor for a Daniel Defence BCM MCMR-9 5.56mm AR 15-style rifle that was also allegedly found in his possession. He was charged with possessing a military-style weapon, pistol, and prohibited firearm without permission to do so, as well as possessing a loaded firearm in public. He also faces charges of specially aggravated break and enter and intimidation, taking and driving a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, and a police pursuit. Mr Finau did not apply for release on bail on Wednesday and will remain behind bars on remand before he is due to reappear before the court on February 26. Police had earlier established Strike Force Andelys to investigate the alleged incident, and had seized the Hyundai sedan for forensic testing after the alleged chase. No officers were injured in the pursuit.