Hunter Valley Police have charged a man after he allegedly assaulted several people and stole items from a service station near Cessnock today.
About 10.30am (Friday 17 April 2026), police were called to Station Street, Weston, 11km east of Cessnock, following reports of an assault.
On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told an unknown man had allegedly punched nine people in the head before threatening them with a needle and running from the scene.
Police were also told the man had run into a nearby service station on Cessnock Road, where he stole several items before running from the scene again.
Following a search of the area, police located the man – aged 34 – in a church on Station Street.
When police attempted to speak to the man he allegedly ran from officers before stopping nearby.
Police again attempted to speak to the man; however, he allegedly attempted to assault officers before being arrested.
During the arrest, police deployed OC spray and a Taser.
The man was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with:
- Common assault (seven counts)
- Assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm
- Affray
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm
- Armed with intent to commit indictable offence
- Shoplifting
He has been refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 tomorrow (Saturday 18 April 2026).
