A man wanted by Strike Force Raptor has been arrested by officers from Tweed/Byron Police District, NSW Police say.
In June 2018, police from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor applied for and were granted two warrants for the arrest of a 22-year-old Illawarra man in relation to firearms and drug offences.
Police conducted extensive inquiries and searches for the man, but he could not be located.
Earlier today (Wednesday 25 July 2018), detectives from Tweed/Byron Police District received information the man may have been in the Byron Bay area.
Following further inquiries, police located the man walking through a park on Bay Street, Byron Bay, about 11.30am.
As the officers approached the man, he attempted to flee the scene. He was pursued by police on foot and arrested following a short struggle.
A male Senior Constable was injured during the arrest and taken to Byron Bay Hospital for treatment to a knee injury.
During a subsequent search of the man, police located a large knife.
The man was taken to Byron Bay Police Station and charged with the outstanding warrants and custody of knife in public place, resist arrest, and breach of bail.
He was refused bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 26 July 2018).
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers.
