Three men have been charged following an investigation into an alleged armed robbery in Newcastle last month.
About 8pm on Friday 30 January 2026, emergency services were called to a unit on Fowler Street, Hamilton South, following reports of a home invasion.
Police were told a 44-year-old man had allegedly been seriously assaulted and robbed by three men armed with a machete, an axe, and a mallet.
The man fled the unit for his safety, as the men allegedly stole a large amount of cash and property from the unit.
A short time later, the man was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Police attached to Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Arnstone to investigate the incident.
Two men have since been charged in relation to the incident:
- About 9.45am on Monday 9 February 2026, police arrested a 28-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station. He was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon. He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Monday 9 February 2026 where he was formally refused bail. He will next appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 8 April 2026.
- About 3.30pm on Thursday 19 February 2026, police attended a home in Wingham, near Taree. A 28-year-old man was arrested following a brief foot pursuit, and taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged with robbery in company. He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 on Friday 20 February 2026 where he was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Monday 16 March 2026.
About 6pm on Sunday 15 February 2026, the same 44-year-old man, was riding an e-bike along Beaumont Street, Hamilton, when he was allegedly struck by a vehicle, knocking him from the bike.
The man was then allegedly assaulted by a man who demanded the man's backpack.
NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the scene before taking the man to hospital for treatment.
As part of the investigation into both incidents, strike force Arnstone detectives attended a unit complex on Hanbury Street, Mayfield, about 12.30pm on Monday 23 February 2026.
Police attempted to speak with a 32-year-old man who allegedly climbed onto the roof of the unit complex armed with syringes.
A police operation commenced with the assistance of TOU operatives and negotiators.
About 6.45pm, a Taser was successfully deployed before the man was arrested, and taken to hospital for assessment.
About 3pm yesterday (Tuesday 24 February 2026), the man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with aggravated robbery with offensive weapon, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, and assault with intent to rob in company.
An outstanding warrant was also executed for alleged breach of bail, knife, and possession of housebreaking implement offences.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Wednesday 25 February 2026).
