“Emergency service workers are not punching bags”, that’s the message from Hunter Valley police after three of their own were assaulted during a routine vehicle stop in Maitland overnight.
It all unfolded in Telarah at around 8.40, when police pulled over a silver Ford which was spotted driving dangerously.
As officer approached the car, a passenger allegedly stepped out and tried to block the Sergeant’s vision.
It’s alleged the driver then got out and started behaving erratically, pushing and shoving the officer.
As the Sergeant tried to arrest the driver, he was allegedly punched in the face before both men fled.
The Sergeant suffered a broken eye socket and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Ian Allwood from the Police Association says violence towards emergency services personnel is “just not on”.
“He was just doing a routine traffic stop that’s just going about his businesses in a day to day way, doing what he’s getting paid to do.”
Police spotted the driver a short time later, trying to jump the rail line at Maitland.
Two officers tried to restrain him and a fight ensued.
Both officers were allegedly punched in the face before the man was eventually restrained.
“These things are just not acceptable,” said Mr Allwood. “They’re just normal people, they’re someone’s son, someone’s husband, someone’s daughter, they’re just doing their job.”
The 20-year-old was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with several offences including driving without a licence, drive vehicle under influence of alcohol, assault police officer in execution of duty.
He’ll front Maitland Local Court today.
This is just the latest incident in a spate of violent attacks on police.
On the Central Coast last night, a leading Senior Constable was treated for a knee and elbow injury following a violent arrest at Wamberal.
Last Tuesday, a female senior constable was held in a choke hold and had her hair pulled during a domestic violence call at Buff Point.
The confronting incident was captured on her body worn camera.
Despite the recent increase in police attacks, Superintendent Gilles insists officers have a mostly positive relationship with the community.
“By and large we have an excellent relationship with the community here in the Hunter,” said Mr Allwood.
“Most people are very supportive of the police and we’re thankful for that but there is a minority who think it’s okay to assault police officers and our emergency service workers”
“That includes paramedics, emergency department staff, nurses, doctors – these people are doing what they can for us and I think they deserve our support.”
“It’s a sad spike and I just wish it wouldn’t happen.”
