A 21-year-old man was dramatically apprehended following a frightening episode at Westfield Mt Druitt, causing alarm among shoppers shortly after 2 p.m.

Earlier, around 1 p.m., NSW Police received a call concerning a man reportedly leaving a unit block on Reliance Crescent in Willmot, armed. Responding to this, police began their search.

Approximately 30 minutes later, officers on patrol identified a red hatchback on Close Place in Hebersham, which they suspected was being driven by the individual in question. The vehicle had reportedly been stolen from a business in Richmond on Christmas Day.

Despite attempts to stop the car, the driver did not comply, prompting a police pursuit. However, due to safety concerns, the chase was soon called off, according to NSW Police.

Utilizing PolAir support, the authorities were able to track down the vehicle to the Westfield car park just after 2 p.m., leading to the man’s arrest.

PolAir helped locate the vehicle in the car park of the Westfield just after 2pm.

Footage from the food court shows police surrounding a suspect on the ground with a weapon visible at their feet.

The 21-year-old man was arrested and police seized the knife.

He was taken to Mount Druitt Police Station and charged with never licensed person drive vehicle on road, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (two counts), carry cutting weapon upon apprehension, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, and possess prohibited drug.

The man is due to face Bail Division Court 6 today.