A man has been charged following several alleged robberies and attempted carjackings in Newcastle today, NSW Police say.
Just before 8.30am (Wednesday 14 February 2018), police from Newcastle City Local Area Command responded to reports of an armed hold-up at a service station on Maitland Road, Tighes Hill.
Police will allege a man entered the store and threatened to assault the attendant and customers if he was not given cigarettes and a lighter. The attendant complied and the man left.
A short time later, the man approached a woman in a car on Elizabeth Street. He allegedly produced a knife and attempted to steal the car from the woman but was unsuccessful.
He then flagged down a passing taxi and allegedly attempted to rob the driver and steal the vehicle.
The taxi driver left the vehicle and ran into a nearby industrial store on Elizabeth Street.
The man followed the driver into the store and took a Stanley knife from the counter. He then allegedly threatened two staff members and demanded cash.
The two staff members complied just before officers entered the store.
The man was taken into custody after a taser was deployed and a knife was secured.
The 42-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newcastle City Police Station.
He was later treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for an existing medical condition.
The man was charged with robbery, assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle, assault with intent to rob and robbery armed with offensive weapon.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 15 February 2018).
