An off-duty police officer has been injured following an alleged assault in the state's Hunter region overnight.
About 8pm yesterday (Tuesday 19 November 2019), a 43-year-old man was walking his dogs on Park Street, East Maitland when he observed a white BMW driving at high speed.
The vehicle stopped a short distance away and the off-duty officer – a detective senior constable attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District – called out to the driver, a 32-year-old man.
The younger man approached the off-duty officer before he allegedly threatened and assaulted him.
Bystanders attempted to intervene as the 43-year-old announced his appointment as an officer and attempted to arrest him.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter PD arrived a short time later and arrested the man.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with common assault, assault police, affray, resist arrest, drive whilst suspended, drive under the influence of alcohol and negligent driving.
He was refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 20 November 2019).
The officer suffered minor grazes and bruising however he did not require hospital treatment.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
