Father of two shot by police during alleged car theft incident in Western Sydney

The mother of a man shot by police during an alleged car theft last week in Wentworthville has revealed her son is in a coma and may face a lifetime of disability.

Brendan Leiby, 26, was one of two men shot by police in Lane St, Wentworthville about 12.10pm Friday, when they were found allegedly driving a luxury SUV reportedly stolen from Penrith MP Karen McKewon.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Probe after police shoot men in Western Sydney garage.

Leiby, a father of three with a baby on the way, was shot in the neck by police during the confrontation in a carpark.

His 34-year-old passenger was also wounded, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg, but is in a stable condition.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan said the incident occurred after the car was allegedly stolen during an aggravated break and entry.

McKewon’s husband had a vehicle tracker in the car, which he was able to use to direct police to a garage in Wentworthville.

Five police officers, ranging from a sergeant down to a probationary constable of six months, entered the Lane St carpark and allegedly found the car in the garage.

“As they opened that garage door, the vehicle has (allegedly) immediately accelerated towards them,” Dunstan said.

“As a result, police drew their firearms and were required to fire a number of shots.”

Leiby’s mother, who did not want her name used, says she is devastated by the incident and believes her son did not deserve such an outcome.

“My son’s in critical condition because of these police officers shooting him,” she said.

Doctors have informed the family that even if Leiby survives, he may be left with severe brain damage.

“He’s going to be a vegetable. My son didn’t deserve to lose his life over a stolen car,” the mother said.

Leiby spent the weekend in the intensive care unit at Westmead Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Meanwhile, police continue their investigation into the shooting, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene.

Detectives have spoken to the families of both men, but formal charges won’t be laid until Leiby and his passenger are well enough to be interviewed.

No police were harmed.

The investigation into the incident will be subject to an independent review with oversight from the NSW police watchdog.

McKeown said the car was stolen during a break-in at her home on Thursday night.

“Last night my home was broken into and my husband’s car stolen. I reported this to police,” the MP said in a statement.

“While I am shaken from the events, thankfully I am unharmed.

“I want to thank NSW Police, in particular the local area command at both Penrith and Cumberland Police for their prompt response.

“Political leaders often praise police for their bravery. Today, I have had a first-hand experience of this.”