Parramatta Westfield: Man charged after allegedly brandishing knife in western Sydney shopping centre

A man has been charged after allegedly brandishing a knife at another customer’s head in a busy Westfield complex.

Lachlan Ebejer, aged in his 20s, entered Parramatta Westfield at about 9.30 on Saturday, and allegedly stole from a store.

Police allege 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, police allege.

Officers arrived at the Westfield shortly after and attempted to arrest Ebejer, who police allege tried to assault the 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, goods in custody, use knife in public place – cause person to fear for safety, and intimidate police officer in execution of duty.

He was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court today.

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 staff and rolled out stab-proof vests for security officers.

Scentre group has been contacted for comment.