A man will appear in court tomorrow charged over alleged robberies, assaults, and a pursuit with police in the New England region earlier today.
About 4am (Friday 28 October 2022), a man, allegedly armed with a sledgehammer, broke into a pharmacy on Grey Street, Glen Innes, and threatened a security guard.
He left with medication and fled in a Holden Commodore.
Officers from New England Police District responded and shortly after were advised that staff members at three service stations at Glen Innes and Inverell were assaulted by a man. They suffered minor injuries.
He stole cash from two of the stores and fled empty handed from the third after being confronted by a member of the public.
Following inquiries, police attempted to stop a Holden Commodore about 6.15am, seen driving along Byron Street.
The Holden failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated before being terminated minutes later due to safety concerns. It was later found abandoned after getting bogged beside Copeton Dam Road.
As part of inquiries, police received a report a man had allegedly stole a Toyota Landcruiser from a nearby property.
The Toyota was seen driving along Copeton Dam Road where road spikes were successfully deployed, deflating two tyres.
It continued travelling towards Inverell, where the Toyota eventually stopped on Jardine Road at Inverell about 7am, and the driver, a 33-year-old man, was arrested after a struggle.
The man was taken to hospital for blood and urine testing before being transferred to Inverell Police Station.
He has been charged with 17 offences including, two counts of take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, two counts of negligent driving, two counts of aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated robbery – attempted, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, never licensed person drive vehicle on road, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, Assault police officer in execution of duty, and drive vehicle under influence of drugs.
The Glen Innes man has been refused bail to appear at Tamworth Local Court tomorrow (Saturday 29 October 2022).
Inquiries continue.
