A man will face court today after he allegedly impersonated a police officer and assaulted a man in Newcastle last night.
About 10.30pm (Wednesday 28 January 2026), police were called to Darby Street, Newcastle, following reports of an assault.
At the scene, police were told that a 62-year-old man had tried to enter his vehicle when he was approached by a younger man not known to him, who allegedly claimed he was a police officer.
Following a verbal exchange, the older man was allegedly assaulted by the other man.
The 62-year-old then entered the driver's seat of his vehicle, while the other man allegedly entered the passenger seat and allegedly assaulted the older man again.
The men then exited the vehicle, and the younger man allegedly claimed the older man was under arrest during a further confrontation.
The men were separated by passersby, and police attached to Newcastle City Police District arrived at the scene where the younger man - aged 43 - was arrested.
As a result of the incident, the older man sustained lacerations to his face, legs, and hand.
The 43-year-old was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with impersonate police officer, impersonate police officer and exercise powers/functions, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Thursday 29 January 2026).
