A former winger for the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers remains in a critical state after being shot multiple times outside his Greenacre residence early Tuesday morning as he was heading to work.
Hours later, around 12:45 am, shots were fired at a home in St Clair.
A woman in her 50s was inside the house but was not harmed.
Shortly after, authorities discovered a second car burned out in Colyton, which was taken in for forensic analysis.
Firefighters managed to put out both fires, with no reported injuries.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police carried out six search warrants on Thursday in Riverwood, Guildford, Lilyfield, Villawood, and Auburn.
Police later seized three vehicles, 1kg of cocaine, knuckle dusters, electronics and clothing.
Authorities said yesterday they believe some of the alleged offenders are acting “as part of a criminals-for-hire group”, and that multiple perpetrators remain at large.
Later that day, at about 6.50pm, police arrested a 25-year-old man in Marsden Park.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested in Emerton shortly after.
The pair were taken to Mt Druitt Police Station.
They were charged with shooting with intent to murder and participating in a criminal group in relation to the alleged shooting in Greenacre.
They were refused bail to appear at court today.
Police are investigating whether Utai’s son, Iziah’s, alleged links to the Alameddine crime network could have been the reason behind the alleged attacks.
9News understands 24-year-old Iziah is currently overseas.
Police say the younger Utai is currently wanted for “criminal group offences”.
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