Authorities report that a 59-year-old man, Peter Ashby, allegedly confronted a 27-year-old employee at a supermarket on Victoria Road in Ermington around 5:15 p.m. yesterday. The incident involved Ashby’s attempt to assault the staff member.
Fortunately, the employee did not sustain any injuries, and Ashby subsequently exited the premises. Law enforcement swiftly responded, establishing a crime scene at the location.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a commotion, with noises of running and shouting echoing through the area. One local resident recalled, “I came out to see what was happening, and there he was, already in handcuffs, being placed into the back of a police van.”
Another nearby resident described the unfolding events as frightening, highlighting the impact of such incidents on the community’s sense of safety.
“Come out, have a look, and old mate is in handcuffs getting chucked in the back of a paddy wagon,” one resident said.
Another resident described the situation as frightening.
“There was lots of screaming and yelling,” she said.
“Pretty scary, it’s our local Woolies, we’re there at least a few times a week, hearing something like that is pretty scary.”
CCTV showed a man yelling and walking through the shopping strip with an axe while carrying shopping bags.
Police arrested Ashby about an hour later on Seamiest Avenue and said they found an axe nearby.
The 59-year-old was taken to Ryde Hospital for an assessment under police guard.
He was later taken to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with affray and armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Ashby will face court tomorrow.
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