Man Arrested After Pursuit At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Court today (Friday 3 October, 2025) for a man allegedly involved in a police pursuit at Rutherford overnight.

Patrolling officers say they noticed a Silver Isuzu SUV being driven is a suspicious manner on Fairfax Road just before 1.30am and gave chase when the vehicle failed to stop.

It's alleged the SUV reached 100 km/hr in a 50 zone before the driver pulled over on Dunkley Street.

Police say the 22-year-old driver was in possession of small quantities of cocaine, cannabis and steroids as well as a knife.

He's been refused bail to face court today charged with driving while disqualified, drug possession, breach of bail and having custody of a knife. 

 

UPDATE! Man Arrested Over Alleged Fatal Assault At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is facing court today (Tuesday 19 August, 2025) charged with the alleged domestic violence murder of a 20-year-old woman at Rutherford.

Emergency services arrived at the Unicomb Close home early Monday morning to find the woman with significant facial injuries.

She could not be revived despite the efforts of paramedics.

A 31-year-old man was arrested at the scene - police say the pair had been  in a relationship for about 12 months and there had been no reports of domestic violence to police.

The man has been refused bail to face Bail Division Court 2 today.

EARLIER: 

A man is assisting police with inquiries following the death of a woman at Rutherford this morning.

Police were called to a home on Unicomb Close at about 4.45am today (Monday 18 August, 2025) to reports of an assault.

They arrived to find a woman, believed to be in her 20's with serious injuries.

She was treated by paramedics but could not be revived.

Police say a 30-year-old man, who is known to the woman, was arrested at the scene.

He's been taken to Maitland Police Station for questioning.

 

Teens Involved In Separate Crashes At Rutherford And Cardiff

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenage boys are before the children's court accused of stealing and crashing a utility at Rutherford.

Police were called to Ventura Close at about 1.00am on Sunday where they found the ute had crashed into a parked car before ending up in the front yard of a nearby house.

It's alleged the vehicle was stolen a short time earlier.

Two boys aged 17 and 15 have been arrested.

Meanwhile, Police say two 16-year-old boys were seriously injured when the stolen motorbike they were riding crashed into the side of a Mazda 3 hatchback just after 2.00am Sunday on Main at Cardiff.

Both boys were wearing helmets - a 52-year-old man driving the car wasn't injured and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police say the motorbike was stolen from an Edgeworth address on May 11. 

Police are asking for dashcam footage as investigations continue.

 

Man Charged Over Alleged DV Offences at Rutherford

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A man's been charged following an investigation by the Hunter DV High Risk Offender Team into alleged offences at Rutherford.

On Wednesday March 5, police were called to a home following reports of DV, at the scene, police were told a man had allegedly forced entry to the home before assaulting and threatening a woman who is known to him.

A member of the public who tried to assist the woman was also allegedly assaulted.

When officers arrived the man had fled.

Officers commenced extensive inquiries into his whereabouts, and attended a home at Telarah yesterday morning, where a 32-year-old man was arrested.

He's been charged with contravening apprehended violence orders, stalking and intimidation offences, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court yesterday.

If you or anyone you know needs support call 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.

 

 

 

Credit: Port Stephens Hunter Police

 

Appeal to Locate Missing Teenagers

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Police are appealing for information to locate two teenagers missing from the Hunter.

13-year-old Austin Glynn was last seen on Saturday at Rutherford. He's described as Caucasian, 160cm tall with solid build and short brown hair.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he has several medical conditions,

Meanwhile,

19-year-old Summa O'Reilly was last seen in Waratah on March 6, she's known to frequent the Wallsend area.

Anyone with information's being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Austin Glynn. Credit: NSW Police

 

 

Summa O'Reilly. Credit: NSW Police

Fire Crews Battle Blaze Which Engulfed Rutherford Mechanical Workshop

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Fire and Rescue NSW crews have successfully battled a fire which engulfed part of a large mechanical workshop overnight at Rutherford.

FRNSW crews from Maitland, East Maitland and Rutherford rushed to the business in Mustang Drive around 12.15am to discover flames had spread through the reception area of the workshop.

Firefighters forced their way inside and attacked the blaze, containing it in just over an hour, limiting the spread to nearby businesses.

They doused several spot fires and used positive pressure fans to disperse smoke from the scene.

Firefighters have handed control of the site to New South Wales Police amid suspicions about the cause of the fire.

Fire investigators are liaising with Police as investigations continue.

Image from FRNSW Media

Appeal to Locate Teenager from Rutherford

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Port Stephens and Hunter police are on the lookout for a missing teenager from Rutherford.

13-year-old Austin was last seen in the area at about 6pm on Saturday.

He's known to use public transport and may be in the Central Coast or Sydney.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fifth Man Charged Over Alleged Kidnapping At Rutherford

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police have charged a fifth man over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a man at Rutherford earlier this year.

On February 28, police located a 38-year-old man near Greta suffering serious injuries.

He was treated by paramedics before being taken to Maitland Hospital for the treatment of facial injuries, bruising, lacerations, and a stab wound to his leg.

Police allege that the man was forced into a vehicle in the Rutherford area on February 27, before he was taken to a premises in Metford where he was allegedly drugged and assaulted, before later being released.

Following extensive inquiries three men - aged 26, 35 and 53 - were charged over their alleged involvement and remain before the courts.

A fourth man, aged 32, was also charged; however, no longer remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries by police, a fifth man was arrested on Main Road, Cardiff, about 3.40pm yesterday.

The 29-year-old was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with kidnap in company with intent.

He remains behind bars after being refused bail during his appearance in Belmont Local Court today.

                                           

CCTV footage released earlier this year as part of a public appeal for information. Picture supplied by NSW Police

Picture supplied by NSW Police

UPDATE! Concerns For Woman Missing From Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Great News!

Police have advised that Catherine has been found safe and well.

They've thanked the  public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for public assistance to find a woman who's gone missing from the Maitland area.

48-year-old Catherine Copeland was last seen at Rutherford at 3.00pm on Monday 7 October, 2024, and police were notified when she couldn't be located or contacted.

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare.

Catherine's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a solid build and shoulder length red hair.

She's known to frequent the Rutherford, Nundle Hanging Rock and Tamworth areas.

If you've seen Catherine or know where she is call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing woman Catherine Copeland

Appeal for information after armed robbery in Rutherford

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for information and would like to speak with a man as investigations continue into an attempted armed robbery in Rutherford.

About 11.30pm yesterday (Monday 5 August 2024), police were called to a home on Waterworks Road, following reports of an attempted armed robbery.

On arrival, officers were told a man had threatened a 64-year-old man with a knife and demanded he hand over the property; when the 64-year-old refused, the other man left the scene.

Police believe the incident may be related to reported break and enters which occurred on the same road on Monday 22 July, Thursday 25 July, and Friday 2 August 2024.

As inquiries continue, police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.

He's described as being about 187cm tall with medium build and light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a dark grey hooded jumper, light grey tracksuit pants and dark shoes, and may be wearing reading glasses.

Anyone with information is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

We've posted the CCTV footage on the 2nurfm Hunter News Facebook page.

Snapshot of CCTV footage

Teen Missing From Rutherford For Three Weeks

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage boy who's been missing from Rutherford for almost three weeks.

14-year-old Jordan Christian was last seen at about 1pm on Saturday July 6 but wasn't reported missing to police until Wednesday this week.

There are concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Jordan's described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall with a medium build and is known to frequent the Rutherford and Lochinvar areas.

anyone with information is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Jordan Christian

Police Search For Pair After Rutherford Carjacking

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two people are on the run after a brazen carjacking at Rutherford.

Police say around 6.10am on Sunday, a man left his Mercedes Benz 4WD in the driveway of a business on Racecourse Road, when a woman got into the vehicle.

As he was trying to remove her, a man approached with a gun and ordered him to leave the car.

The woman then drove off and the man left in a Nissan Skyline.

The stolen Mercedes is a 2012 model, silver in colour with the NSW registration ETZ-43F.

The Skyline is a 1990 model, white in colour with the NS registration EOW-76F.

Police are urging anyone who spots the vehicles not to approach but the call Triple Zero immediately.

Man Accused Of Stealing 3km Of Copper Cabling From Rutherford Business

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has faced court charged with the alleged theft of thousands of dollars worth of copper cable at Rutherford.

Police have been told more than 3km of cabling was stolen from a business on Racecourse Road over four separate occasions in the past week with an estimated value of more than 22-thousand dollars.

Following extensive inquiries, police went to an address at Mulbring on Monday and arrested a 36-year-old man.

He's now before the courts charged with four counts of larceny.

BREAKING! Man Under Police Guard After Pursuit And Crash At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is under police guard in hospital following a pursuit and crash at Rutherford.

At about 8.15pm on Tuesday, Police attempted to stop a Lexus on High Street at Maitland due to the manner of driving.

The car failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated, with the car travelling along the New England Highway before it crashed into two vehicles and flipped onto it's roof.

The driver, a 55-year-old man, was removed from the vehicle and arrested.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital as a precaution for treatment of minor injuries.

 

13-Year-Old Boy Missing From Rutherford

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Hunter Police are appealing for assistance to locate a missing teenage boy. 

13-year-old Bryson was last seen in Rutherford on Friday the 13th of October, 2023. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 120 and 130cm tall, of a thin build, with a fair complexion, and hazel-coloured eyes. 

Police say he's not in trouble, but officers and his family would like to know where he is. 

If you know where Bryson is, or can assist in locating him, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Teenage Siblings Missing From Rutherford

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Hunter Police are asking local residents to be on the lookout for two missing teenagers from Rutherford.

14-year-old Kelsey and 13-year-old Bryson are siblings and have not been since about 5:00pm on Sunday the 10th of September, 2023.

They are not in trouble, but police need to make sure they are safe.

If you've seen them or know where they are, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000. 

Kelsey

 

Bryson

Teen Taken To Hospital After Crash At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager has been taken to hospital after an early morning crash at Rutherford.

Police say a 17-year-old girl was driving a Mazda 2 on the New England Highway at about 2.45am on Tuesday, when she lost control and the car crashed into traffic lights at the intersection of Wollombi Road.

NSW Ambulance says the girl was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition with a leg injury.

A male passenger in his late teens was treated at the scene by paramedics for a minor neck injury.

Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash.

Appeal Launched for Missing Rutherford Teen

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Port Stephens Police are asking for our help to locate a missing teenager. 

17-year-old Zeke Zielinski was last seen in Rutherford at about 9:30 yesterday morning. 

He was wearing a black hooded jumper, black jeans, and black and white Nike shoes. 

He was also carrying a guitar case.

Police say he's not in trouble but his family are concerned and want to make sure he is safe and well. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is being urged to contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Lithium Battery Sparks House Fire At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire Investigators have been called in to examine the cause of a house fire at Rutherford overnight.

Fire and Rescue crews from Rutherford and Maitland along with a Duty Commander were called to a single level home in Regiment Road just after 6.30pm on Sunday to find smoke issuing from a lounge room.

They discovered a Lithium battery had caught fire.

The blaze was quickly extinguished and was contained to the one room.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was injured and the fire has been referred to the Fire Investigation Unit, which looks into all fires involving Lithium batteries.  

Teen Seriously Injured In Crash At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager has been seriously injured in a single vehicle crash at Rutherford overnight.

Police say the 18-year-old was driving a blue Mazda sedan westbound along the New England Highway just after 2.30am on Wednesday when he lost control and the car slammed into a power pole, bringing down live wires.

He was barely conscious and suffering head lacerations when emergency services arrived.

It took about an hour for Ambulance Rescue to free the young man before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

The westbound lanes of the highway were closed until 4.00am while the accident scene was cleared.