A man will appear in court today charged with property offences after attempting to swim across the Parramatta River to evade police yesterday.
Just after 11am (Monday 9 November 2020), police were called to the basement of an apartment complex on Hill Road, Wentworth Point, after three people were reportedly disturbed by a resident breaking into storage cages before fleeing.
Officers from Auburn Police Area Command attended the basement and stopped a vehicle, placing the driver under arrest.
He resisted, assaulting a male Constable, and fled on foot, pursued by police.
During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly located property including, jewellery, watches, electronic devices and other items suspected of being stolen.
With the assistance of the Dog Unit, the man was found in mangroves along the Parramatta River and jumped in the water, attempting to swim to the other side.
Police sought assistance from members of the public, commandeering a boat; however, the man refused assistance and continued swimming.
Officers from the Marine Area Command attended, and the 24-year-old man was arrested before being taken to Westmead Hospital as a precaution.
He was returned to Auburn Police Station and charged with break, enter and steal, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, two counts of resist officer in execution of duty, and assault officer in execution of duty.
The Ryde man was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Tuesday 10 November 2020).
As inquiries continue to identify and locate the two other people involved, investigators are appealing for anyone with information to contact Auburn detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
