UPDATE! Man On the Run and Two Arrested Following Kotara Police Operation

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are still searching for a man, and two others have been arrested after a woman was allegedly held against her will in a Kotara home on Wednesday morning. 

About 3.50am, officers were called to a home on Park Avenue, following reports a 24-year-old woman had been held against her will.

Police have been told a 30-year-old woman and two men – aged 29 and 36 – were inside the home before the younger woman managed to escape and contact police.

The trio then threatened an 88-year-old male resident, who was asleep at the time.

A perimeter was established, and specialist units were deployed to assist in the operation – including police negotiators and the dog unit.

The 88-year-old man was able to leave the home and was taken into police care about 5.50am; he was uninjured.

The 36-year-old man fled the home on foot a short time later, before he was arrested near Howell Street.

The 30-year-old woman was also arrested at the property a short time later.

Both the man and woman are assisting police with their inquiries.

The 29-year-old man escaped the home and remains outstanding with officers conducting extensive inquiries to locate him. 

An investigation into the circumstances leading up to and during the incident is now underway, including allegations the younger woman had been held against her will in the days prior to today’s incident.

Anyone with any information with may assist investigators is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Inquiries are continuing.

EARLIER - 

A police operation which shut down several streets in Kotara on Wednesday morning has concluded. 

Officers surrounded a home in the Park Avenue area, reportedly heard on a megaphone asking the occupants to exit the property.

Residents reported seeing an armored vehicle arrive. 

Residents were urged to stay inside and lock their doors, and not to return to the street if they leave.

Police are thanking the public for their assistance, and will release more details soon. 

Man Dies During Police Confrontation on the Central Coast

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A critical incident investigation has been launched following the death of a man during a confrontation with police on the Central Coast on Thursday morning.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended Minnesota Road at Hamlyn Terrace shortly after 9am , after a stolen vehicle was tracked to the location following an earlier pursuit.

Shots were fired during a confrontation and the man died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

A critical incident team from the Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be subject to independent review.

All information will be provided to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the man’s death.

A police operation continues to find a second man believed to have left the scene.

UPDATE! Man in Custody After Major Police Operation at Maryland

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man is now in police custody, following a large scale police operation in Maryland. 

There were reports a man was refusing to leave his home on Warkworth Street off Minmi Road.

Police remain on scene and the street, and surrounding streets have been closed by tactical response units. 

Wallsend state Labor MP Sonia Hornery issued a warning to residents on Facebook.

She wrote, “Please avoid the area and if you live in the area, remain inside with your doors locked."

Police Operation Targeting Patrons and Operators at Hunter Pubs Launches Today

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A month long high visibility police operation ensuring social distancing and Public Health Order compliance at licensed venues across the Hunter is beginning on Monday.

From Monday June 1st, Operation Pariac will see a high police presence across regional areas in Northern, Southern and Western NSW, following the easing of restrictions in licensed premises.

Police will also be targeting alcohol-related crime, including assaults, anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

Operation Pariac Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said as restrictions continue to ease, venues and patrons need to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain a COVID-safe environment.

“From today, the movement of people across the state will start to increase dramatically, as thousands of people head to regional communities to inject much needed tourism dollars.

“Police will be conducting random checks and patrols of licensed venues throughout our regions, with the ability for resources to be shared amongst police districts where the demand is needed – particularly across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend."

“Operation Pariac, as part of a Vikings operation, will see officers working closely with industry and business owners to ensure they are able to operate safe environments for their customers, while making the public feel confident about returning to a COVID-safe venue.

“Whether you’re heading to a winery in the Hunter Valley, a bar at Byron Bay, a pub on the bushfire-hit South Coast, or an RSL in drought-impacted areas out west – licensees and patrons alike need to be aware of their surroundings and the strict rules which now apply,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

     Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM