A violent confrontation on a popular South Coast beach has left two police officers assaulted, with one sustaining serious head injuries after being kicked in the face by a naked man.
Beach Call-Out Turns Violent
The incident unfolded at Bawley Beach, Bawley Point, approximately 26 kilometres south of Ulladulla, on the evening of Friday, January 9, 2026. Police were called to the scene around 7:30pm after a concerned member of the public reported fears for a man's welfare.
Upon arrival, officers located a 21-year-old man who was completely nude. According to a NSW Police spokesperson, the situation escalated rapidly when the man became uncooperative as officers attempted to speak with him.
Alleged Assault on Officers During Arrest
Police will allege the man assaulted a male senior constable before he could be taken into custody. After being arrested, the man then allegedly punched a female constable in the head.
The accused allegedly continued to resist arrest forcefully, compelling officers to deploy OC (capsicum) spray to subdue him. During the struggle, the senior constable suffered serious facial injuries after allegedly being kicked in the face by the offender.
Hospital Assessment and Serious Charges Laid
Both the injured male officer and the alleged assailant were transported to Shoalhaven Hospital for assessment. The officer was admitted in a stable condition.
The 21-year-old man was discharged from hospital under police guard at approximately 5:10am on Saturday, January 10, and taken to Nowra Police Station.
He was subsequently charged with multiple offences, including:
- Causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer
- Assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty (two counts)
- Resisting arrest
Initially refused bail, the man appeared before the Bail Division Court on Saturday, January 10. He was later granted conditional bail and is scheduled to face Nowra Local Court on Friday, January 23, 2026.
The case highlights the risks police officers routinely face while responding to public welfare incidents, even in seemingly tranquil coastal locations.
