Man Arrested After Wearing Fake Gun to Office Costume Party

A costume meant for a "heroes and villains" office party triggered a massive police response in one of Sydney, Australia's busiest entertainment districts this week.

Jacopo Mastrocinque, 35, a pizza shop owner, was arrested Monday, Aug. 3, after New South Wales Police responded to reports of a man carrying a firearm in the Moore Park area, according to a police statement. "Two men have been arrested after a police operation in Moore Park this afternoon," police said. Concerned locals had spotted Mastrocinque wearing what appeared to be a black bulletproof vest with an American flag on the chest and a fake gun attached to it, footage of which was later shared by 9News.

A Confusing and Frightening Scene

Witnesses described the confusion that unfolded as bystanders tried to figure out whether what they were seeing was real. "We saw a gun on his chest, but we were like, 'Is he wearing a costume? Is it real?' It looked like a pistol," one witness told 9News.

Footage obtained by 7News showed multiple police officers surrounding Mastrocinque with weapons drawn outside a restaurant in the Entertainment Precinct, with an officer heard shouting for him to "Get down!" Mastrocinque was ultimately handcuffed and placed in a police van. According to 9News, officers seized a replica firearm, a vest, plastic handcuffs and a badge following the arrest.

What Mastrocinque Says Happened

Mastrocinque told 7News the outfit was intended for a "heroes and villains" themed party, not to alarm anyone. A second man, 39, was also taken into custody in connection with the incident, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, though further details about his involvement have not been made public.

It remains unclear what specific charges, if any, Mastrocinque is facing as a result of the incident, and police have not released additional information about the outcome of the arrest.

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