A 32-year-old man was charged with intent to murder after allegedly setting fire to a unit in Surry Hills in April, causing serious injuries to three people.
Around 3.30 a.m. on the 7th of April 2024, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a unit block on Devonshire Street in Surry Hills. Upon arrival, officers from the Surry Hills Police Area Command found a second-floor unit ablaze. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire before it could spread to neighbouring units.
Two people, a 39-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, suffered serious burns and were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the hospital.
The woman remains hospitalised, while the man, though released, continues to receive ongoing treatment. A second woman, also aged 39, was hospitalised for leg burns but has since been released.
Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the suspected arson, dubbed Strike Force Wyomee.
Suspect Extradited
As part of the ongoing inquiries, a 32-year-old man, Nathan Kovesy, was arrested in Brisbane with the assistance of Queensland Police around 9.30 a.m. on the 22nd of May 2024.
Kovesy appeared at the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where Surry Hills detectives applied for and were granted his extradition to Sydney.
He was escorted to Mascot Police Station, where an outstanding warrant was executed, and he was charged with destroy/damage building by fire with intent to murder.
The Surry Hills man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on the 23rd of May 2024.
As Strike Force Wyomee continues its inquiries, anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Surry Hills Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information will be treated confidentially.
Published 24-May-2024