Tactical police units converged on Cessnock’s main street, located roughly 40 kilometers from Newcastle, today. This operation followed an incident where a man allegedly assaulted and threatened a woman with death.

Eyewitnesses observed several police Bearcat vehicles stationed near an apartment complex in the vicinity of Cooper Street and North Avenue earlier this afternoon.

Authorities had been called to the same apartment around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Reports indicate that a man, who was acquainted with the resident woman, forcibly entered the premises and allegedly threatened her with what was believed to be a firearm.

According to a police statement released tonight, the man reportedly assaulted the woman and threatened her life before leaving the scene shortly thereafter.

Later in the day, police apprehended the suspect at the North Avenue unit around 4:30 p.m., after cordoning off streets and establishing a security perimeter.

Witnesses noted that heavily armed officers were aiming their weapons at the building before several entered and proceeded to the top floor.

The 34-year-old was charged with contravene an AVO, using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, entering a dwelling with intent whilst armed with a dangerous weapon and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV).

He was refused bail to face Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow.

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