A fifth man wanted over the alleged robbery, assault and shooting of a truck driver near Lithgow last year has been arrested and charged following a pursuit in Sydney’s south west yesterday.
About 5am on Tuesday 29 September 2020, emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway at Mount Lambie, following reports a truck driver had been shot.
Police were told that the truck driver – a 42-year-old Western Australian man – had been sleeping in the vehicle, when a group of unknown men forced entry to the cabin.
The men allegedly assaulted the truck driver, dragged him from the vehicle and shot him twice in his right upper thigh and right foot.
The group then stole personal items – including a large quantity of cash – from the truck, before fleeing the area in other vehicles.
The truck driver was treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to Lithgow Hospital. He was then airlifted to Westmead Hospital, where he underwent surgery and has since been released.
Officers from Chifley Police District commenced inquiries into the incident, before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Hathern.
Following extensive inquires and a public appeal for information, strike force detectives charged four men – aged 23, 28, 29 and 30 – in December last year. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command attempted to stop a stolen Suzuki motorcycle near Pickway Way, Ambarvale, about 10.15am yesterday (Monday 25 January 2021).
When the rider failed to stop, a pursuit commenced; however, it was terminated due to safety concerns.
With assistance from PolAir, the motorcycle was monitored to Desdemona Street, where it crashed into a house.
As police were arresting the rider, a 23-year-old man, it’s alleged he punched two senior constables. One of the officers was taken to hospital for treatment of an arm injury.
During a search of the man, it’s alleged he spat in the face of a male constable.
He was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for treatment for injuries sustained during the crash, before being released and taken to Campbelltown Police Station.
The Rosemeadow man was charged with kidnap in company with intent, discharge firearm intend cause grievous bodily harm, robbery in company cause wounding, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, goods in person custody suspected being stolen, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, not stop vehicle when directed to do so, possess unauthorised firearm, assault officer in execution of duty and an outstanding warrant.
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Tuesday 26 January 2021).
