SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Fraser Thomson, 41, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a disturbing incident that unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Kellyville in Sydney.
The incident involved Thomson allegedly breaking into the residence of his ex-girlfriend, 35-year-old speech pathologist Lauren Salamakis, armed with a machete.
The unsettling incident occurred around 2.30 am on Tuesday, August 22, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
Fraser Thomson was allegedly armed with machete
At the time of the intrusion, Lauren, her three children, and her ex-husband, 39-year-old Paul Salamakis, were present at the property valued at $1.85 million, located in the north-western suburbs of Sydney.
Thomson reportedly brandished the machete, posing a grave threat to the occupants of the house.
Upon the arrival of the police at the scene, Thomson was discovered with severe lacerations to his forearms, while Salamakis had suffered cuts on his hands.
Both men received immediate medical attention from NSW Ambulance paramedics and were subsequently transported to Westmead Hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
What are the charges against Fraser Thomson?
Thomson was kept under police guard at the hospital before being taken into custody at Castle Hill Police Station. He was charged with attempted murder on the day he was apprehended.
An NSW Police spokesperson said, "Upon being discharged from hospital, the man was taken [to] Castle Hill Police Station where he was charged with break and enter dwelling & assault with intent to murder, break and enter dwelling & inflict GBH on any person, special aggravated Break & Enter & commit serious indictable offence-wound, and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO," reported Daily Mail.
Thomson's bail application was denied, and he is scheduled to appear before the Parramatta Local Court.
Meanwhile, Lauren and her children emerged from the traumatic ordeal unharmed. Salamakis shared from the hospital that he is recovering and coping, given the circumstances.
Who is Lauren Salamakis?
Lauren operates a speech pathology business in Sydney's northwest, focusing on aiding school-aged children with communication difficulties. Her expertise extends to supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
She has "extensive experience working in school-based settings with school aged children, their families and teachers on a variety of communication difficulties," according to her business website, as reported by Daily Mail.
Who is Paul Salamakis?
Salamakis, on the other hand, is the General Manager of two The Coffee Club establishments owned by his family. In 2016, he gained attention for his compassionate support of a family grappling with cancer while working at a McDonald's in Mount Druitt.
As law enforcement conducts a thorough investigation, surrounding streets have been canvassed, CCTV footage collected, and witness accounts gathered. A crime scene has been established at the residence, with both uniformed police and undercover detectives collaborating alongside forensic teams.
The incident has left the tranquil cul-de-sac, where homes command upwards of $1 million, shaken.
