Greenlands Man Faces Multiple Charges After Dramatic Kurri Kurri Roof Siege
A 20-year-old man from Greenlands has been taken into police custody and charged with a series of offences following a dramatic, hours-long stand-off in the Hunter region town of Kurri Kurri. The incident, which unfolded on Friday afternoon and extended into the evening, required a significant emergency services response before the man was eventually apprehended.
Police and Paramedics Respond to Roof-Top Incident
Officers and paramedics were called in significant numbers to Banksia Terrace in Kurri Kurri at approximately 2:45 PM on January 23. The emergency response was triggered by reports that a man had been seen walking on the roofs of residential properties in the area. Specialist paramedics and rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene alongside police negotiators, who attempted to persuade the man to come down safely.
Alleged Property Damage and Assaults During Stand-Off
During the protracted incident, police allege the 20-year-old man broke off several television antennae and tore roofing tiles from the structure, subsequently throwing them at officers below. The heavy emergency presence, which included units from the Police Rescue Squad, Tactical Operations Unit, Dog Squad, and Operational Support Unit, remained on site throughout the evening. Authorities confirmed there was no broader threat to the public but advised local residents to avoid the immediate area until the operation concluded.
Man Taken Into Custody and Charged
The stand-off finally ended around 9:30 PM when the man was taken into custody. He was transported to Cessnock police station where he was formally charged with:
- Three counts of property damage
- Two counts of assaulting police, with one allegation involving actual bodily harm
- Resisting arrest
- An outstanding warrant matter
Police refused bail, and the man was ordered to appear in Bail Court on Saturday morning. The incident highlights the complex challenges faced by emergency services when dealing with protracted public order situations in residential communities.
