A second man has been charged following an extensive investigation into an alleged arson at Lake Macquarie late last year.
About 3.50am on Wednesday 27 November 2024, emergency services were called to a building on Main Road, Speers Point, following reports of a fire.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a council building well alight.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to extinguish the blaze; however, the building was significantly damaged.
Initial assessment of damages caused by the fire is in excess of $12 million dollars.
Police established a crime scene and inquiries into the fire commenced under Strike Force Komiatum.
Following extensive inquiries and public appeals for information, detectives attended a unit at East Maitland about 10am on Thursday 16 January 2025, where they executed a search warrant.
During the search, police allegedly located and seized a dark grey utility, a firearm, a small bag containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine, and other items of interest.
A 53-year-old man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with destroy etc property in company use fire etc, possess unregistered firearm, not keep firearm safely, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and possess prohibited drug.
He remains before the Courts.
Following further inquiries, about 4.30pm today (Thursday 6 February 2025), detectives arrested a 43-year-old man at Newcastle.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with destroy property in company – use fire.
The man was refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 7 February 2025).
Inquiries under Strike Force Komiatum continue.
