A dramatic confrontation at a Lake Macquarie venue ended with an alleged armed robber being disarmed by quick-thinking staff and patrons, leading to a series of serious charges.
Brave Intervention Thwarts Robbery
New South Wales Police were called to a licensed premises on Park Street in Edgeworth at about 9.30pm on Friday, January 9. The emergency call reported an armed robbery in progress. According to police statements, a man had entered the venue brandishing a firearm, threatening staff and demanding cash.
In a courageous act, staff and patrons at the venue intervened, managing to wrestle the man to the ground and seize the loaded weapon before officers could arrive on the scene. A spokesperson for NSW Police confirmed that no injuries were sustained by any staff or patrons during the incident.
Arrest and Charges Laid
Officers arrested a 36-year-old man at the scene. He was initially taken to Toronto Police Station and then transferred to John Hunter Hospital under police guard for treatment of a cut to his arm. Following his release from hospital on Saturday, January 10, he was taken to Belmont Police Station and formally charged.
The man faces a string of serious offences, including:
- Robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon
- Possessing an unauthorised firearm
- Possessing a loaded firearm in a public place
- Being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence
- Having his face blackened or disguised with intent
Court Appearance and Bail Refused
The accused faced an out-of-sessions weekend bail court on Sunday, January 11. The court refused him bail, and he was ordered to remain in custody until his next appearance. He is scheduled to face Newcastle Local Court in March to answer to the charges.
The swift actions of those present at the Edgeworth venue prevented what could have been a far more dangerous situation, ensuring the alleged offender was detained until police arrived to take him into custody.
