Lochlan Ebejer was already out on bail accused of shocking act before he allegedly threatened shopper with a knife to his head during stealing spree at Westfield Parramatta
A man who allegedly threatened a customer with a knife and attempted to assault police during a series of shoplifting incidents at one of Sydney’s busiest shopping malls was already on bail for an earlier, allegedly heinous act.
Police allege Lochlan Ebejer, 24, stole more than $3,000 worth of goods from shops at Westfield Parramatta in the city’s west on Saturday.
He is accused of stealing a bottle of cologne and earrings from Chemist Warehouse before allegedly going to nearby store Crystal Gifts and Homewares with a knife.
Ebejer allegedly held the gun to the head of a 36-year-old male customer, who confronted him and shouted “triple zero.”
The owner, Crystal Gifts and Homewares, told Nine News the alleged ordeal only lasted seconds but it could have been a lot worse.
Ebejer reportedly fled empty-handed, but was arrested nearby shortly afterwards. He reportedly attempted to attack a police officer, after which he was overpowered.
During the arrest, police seized 69 suspected stolen gift cards and a pair of earrings.
Ebejer was charged with shoplifting, having goods in custody, using a knife in a public place, causing fear for the safety of a person and intimidating a police officer in the execution of his duty.
He spent the night in custody before appearing in Parramatta District Court on Sunday.
Lochlan Ebejer (pictured) is accused of taking this selfie on Facebook before allegedly threatening a customer with a knife and attempting to assault police during an alleged shoplifting spree
The alleged crime spree took place on Saturday morning at Westfield Parramatta
Documents filed with the court show Ebejer was already out on bail after allegedly urinating on fruit and vegetables at a supermarket in July.
Police say Ebejer urinated on $300 worth of meat at a supermarket on George Street in Sydney’s CBD just before midnight on July 1.
It would have taken hours to disinfect the refrigerator where the meat was kept.
CCTV footage taken shortly after the incident shows Ebejer standing on the escalator and buttoning his trousers.
Police released the CCTV footage as part of a public appeal and arrested Ebejer two days later.
He was charged with defiling property with intent to cause public disorder and trespassing. He was later released on bail, but with strict conditions attached.
Ebejer remained calm as his lawyer filed a request for bail on Sunday on the grounds of his mental health.
But the judge denied the request, telling the court the community is well aware of recent incidents involving Westfield and that Saturday’s alleged incident was “reasonably alarming.”
Lochlan Ebejer was already on bail after allegedly urinating on fruit and vegetables at a supermarket in Sydney’s CBD in July
Delivery person will remain in custody until he is sentenced later this month for the alleged urine incident.
Westfield Parramatta has tightened security on Sunday by posting extra guards outside stores.
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 several more with a knife at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13.
Since then, the company has expanded the number of security personnel and introduced stab-resistant vests for its security personnel.