Two men have been charged over a string of armed robberies after being arrested in Sydney’s south-west yesterday.

About 9.50pm (Friday 11 May 2012), Fairfield Highway Patrol officers were patrolling in Yennora, as part of Operation Spartan duties, when they saw a suspicious white Toyota sedan.

They signalled to the driver to stop; however, he continued on and a pursuit was initiated.
Police pursued the Toyota for a short time, before it crashed into a traffic control light at the intersection of Fairfield Street and Pine Road, Fairfield.

Both men attempted to run from the scene and one of the men allegedly pointed a firearm at police before throwing it into a nearby yard. The firearm was recovered by police.

The men were arrested and taken to hospital for assessment of injuries and later released back into police custody.

A 30-year-old man was subsequently charged with 15 counts of robbery armed with a dangerous weapon and one count of possess loaded firearm in a public place.

The charges relate to a number of armed robberies dating from Thursday 12 April 2012.

A 31-year-old man was charged with five counts of robbery armed with a dangerous weapon, police pursuit (Skye’s Law), drive in a manner dangerous and unlicensed driver.

Both men have been refused bail and are due to appear in Parramatta Bail Court tomorrow (Sunday 13 May 2012).