Officer threatened with a knife; man charged at Newcastle, NSW

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening a police officer with a knife in Newcastle yesterday.

Police will allege in court that about 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 June 2020), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were patrolling Hamilton South when they were approached by a member of the public about a possible brawl occurring on Fowler Street.

Police approached the crowd that was gathered and as they stopped the marked police vehicle, a 28-year-old man allegedly approached the driver’s side window armed with a large knife.

The driver, a Senior Constable, had the window down to speak with the man who allegedly raised the knife toward him.

The driver’s partner, also a Senior Constable, exited the vehicle and called upon the man to drop the knife.

The man dropped the weapon as the two officers subsequently placed him under arrest.

During the arrest, a second man, aged 35, approached the officers and attempted to stop them effecting the arrest, while a third man kicked the door of the police vehicle.

The officers called for further assistance as they deployed OC spray towards the 35-year-old.

Further police arrived shortly after and the 35-year-old was arrested.

Both were taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged.

A 28-year-old Hamilton South man was charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence. He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 June 2020).

A 35-year-old man, also from Hamilton South, was charged with affray and hinder police. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 June 2020).

Investigations are continuing to identify and locate the third man.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

/Public Release. View in full here.