A 44-year-old man is facing a string of serious charges following a shocking incident in the Hunter Valley, where an elderly resident was allegedly struck by a car and dragged underneath the vehicle.
Elderly Man Left with Critical Injuries
Emergency services rushed to Blaxland Avenue in Singleton Heights shortly after 11:30 am on Sunday, January 18, 2026. They responded to reports that an elderly man had been hit by a car in the front yard of a residential property.
Police were informed that the victim sustained serious injuries during an alleged argument with the driver. The man was reportedly dragged underneath the vehicle, resulting in suspected spinal fractures, a head injury, and severe lacerations to his arms and legs.
Paramedics and first responders treated the man at the scene before transporting him to John Hunter Hospital. He was listed in a critical but stable condition.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
Officers established a crime scene and commenced an immediate investigation. Their inquiries led to the arrest of a 44-year-old man at Singleton Police Station just after 12 pm on the same day.
The accused was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing. Upon his release from hospital, he was transferred to Cessnock Police Station for questioning.
Five Serious Charges Laid
The man has been charged with five separate offences related to the incident:
- Cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent
- Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - drive manner dangerous
- Operate vehicle so as to harass/intimidate
- Drive furiously in motor vehicle - cause bodily harm
- Negligent driving (occasioning grievous bodily harm)
The accused was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division - Court 2 on Monday, January 19, where bail was formally denied. He is scheduled to next appear at Newcastle Local Court on March 18, 2026.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Hunter Valley police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to people who were in the Singleton Heights area around 11:30 am on January 18 and may have witnessed the event.
Investigators are also seeking any dash cam footage from motorists who were driving through the vicinity at the time. Witnesses are asked to contact Cessnock Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
