Police arrested a wanted man at gunpoint after he allegedly threatened to stab a father in front of his family at Narrabeen.
Just before 5.45pm Saturday evening (04 July), officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command responded to a report of a man threatening to stab someone with a syringe at Ocean Street, Narrabeen.
On arrival, they met with a man in his 40s who was taking his family for dinner at The Sands Hotel, Ocean Street, Narrabeen. After parking their car at the beach car park across the street, the family was approached by a stranger, a male in his 30s with bleached blond hair.
The man who was unknown to them reportedly asked the father for a cigarette, and when refused, allegedly threatened to stab him with a syringe in front of his wife and two children. The distressed family are then understood to have sought refuge inside the hotel.
The alleged assailant was reported to have entered the hotel, where he is alleged to have continued to behave aggressively and damaged property before leaving.
Despite the serious threats made, the father and his family were unharmed, and no other patrons of the hotel suffered injury.
Police immediately began a search of the area, finding the alleged assailant attempting to hide at the rear of the nearby 7-Eleven service station at the corner of Pittwater Road and Ocean Street.
It is understood the 37-year-old man was not cooperative with police when he was found, and believing he may be armed, he was taken into custody with weapons drawn, including pistols and tasers.
Police caution and the dramatic arrest proved justified, with the man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for domestic violence-related offences.
The 37-year-old man was taken to Manly Police Station and charged with:
- Two counts of stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm, under Section 13 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to $5,500 and up to five years’ imprisonment.
- One count of common assault, under Section 61 of the NSW Crimes Act, which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment
- One count of destroying or damaging property, under Section 195 of the NSW Crimes Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment
The 37-year-old man was also charged by virtue of an outstanding warrant for domestic violence-related offences, and refused bail.
Images and video: Northern Beaches Advocate
NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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