Based on crime scene images, Australian media today identified senior detective Cesar Barraza as the plainclothes police officer who shot and killed suspect Sajid Akram during the 14/12 shooting that left 15 dead at Bondi beach, Sydney.

Crime scene video shows Barraza approaching a pedestrian bridge as two suspects, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, exchanged gunfire with police officers taking cover in a parking lot. He ran and took cover behind a tree, then fired three shots from his Glock 22 handgun towards the suspects from a distance of 40 m.

Cesar Barraza (wearing a white shirt) approaches and shoots Sajid Akram. Video: *News.com.au*

Based on image analysis of the incident, Australia Finacial Review determined that Sajid Akram collapsed immediately after detective Barraza's second shot. Naveed Akram appeared stunned but returned fire, subsequently approached and apprehended by other officers.

Police sources stated Barraza's actions directly prevented the two suspects from causing further significant casualties.

Barraza is an investigator with over 15 years of experience serving in the police force, primarily working in the Bondi area. He is also a member of the New South Wales Police Pistol Club, a factor that may have contributed to his accurate shots.

Cesar Barraza takes cover behind a tree, approximately 40 m from the two suspects in the Bondi beach shooting. Photo: *AFR*

The Australian quoted several senior officers who noted that even the force's best marksmen, who pass annual shooting tests, would find it difficult to hit a target in similar circumstances. This is due to the long distance, the use of a handgun, and the high pressure of Barraza's exposed firing position without a bulletproof vest.

After firing, Barraza calmly assisted his colleagues in securing the scene, directed residents to leave the area, and monitored other officers providing first aid to one of the shot suspects.

Barraza previously appeared on the reality television show "The Recruits" in the 2000s, which documented police recruit training. When he participated in the program at age 26, Barraza stated his reason for joining the force was "hating criminals".

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, in a press conference on 16/12, affirmed his immense pride in the actions of all officers responding to the Bondi beach shooting.

However, Lanyon could not yet confirm Barraza was the one who shot Sajid, pending further ballistic analysis and review of body camera footage from officers at the scene.

*Thanh Danh* (According to The Australian, News.com.au, AFR, Nightly)