Monday 27 June 2016

Man To Face Court Over Waratah Siege

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police negotiators have been called in after an armed man began making threats last night at Waratah.

Inspector Dave Ckeckley from Waratah Police says they received a telephone call from a 31-year-old man at a Station Street address just before 11pm allegedly threatening to "kill someone".

Officers arrived to find the man had barricaded himself inside the home and allegedly armed himself with a knife and taped a number of butane gas bottles together.

"He was also threatening to kill police", Inspector Checkley said.

General Duties police then called for assistance from the State Protection Support Unit and set up a perimeter around the propety.

The man eventually surrendered to police at about 2am without incident.

The 31-year-old underwent a psychiatric assessment before being charged with using a weapon to avoid apprehension, threatening to injure persons and intimidation.

He's been refused bail and is due to front Newcastle Local Court today.

Officers From the State Protection Support Unit Deployed During Waratah Siege