A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was seriously injured during an arrest on the state's Central Coast earlier this week.
About 7.20am on Monday (8 June 2026), police were called to a unit block on Hargraves Street, Toukley, after reports of a domestic assault.
On arrival, officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District gained entry to a unit block and attempted to arrest a 23-year-old man.
During the arrest, the man allegedly resisted officers and removed a set of handcuffs before being restrained with a second pair.
He was then taken to a police vehicle; however, the 23-year-old allegedly refused to enter the vehicle and assaulted officers.
Police physically placed the man into the vehicle before securing the vehicle and taking him to Wyong Police Station.
On arrival, the man allegedly removed the second pair of handcuffs and refused to exit the police vehicle.
Police attempted to speak to the man; however, he allegedly attempted to further assault officers and OC spray was deployed before he was forcibly removed from the vehicle.
While at the station, the man continued to allegedly assault officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics attended to assist police.
He was taken to Wyong Hospital under police guard for assessment; however, while at the hospital he attempted to bite an officer before undergoing treatment for several injuries.
Two officers sustained minor injuries during the arrest.
Police have been told that yesterday, (Friday 12 June 2026), the man has been transferred to Gosford Hospital with significant injuries after his condition worsened during the week.
An investigation into the incident has commenced with a critical incident team from Newcastle City Police District investigating the circumstances.
The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
