Man allegedly ‘punched nine people in the head’ and threatened them with a needle during servo robbery attempt

A man has been arrested and charged after a horrifying alleged assault on a group of people who had been going about their business in and around a rural service station in the Hunter Region. Police were called to a service station in Weston, 11km East of Cessnock, about 10.30am on Friday after receiving reports of an assault. On arrival, officers were told that a man had “allegedly punched nine people in the head before threatening them with a needle and running from the scene”. “Police were also told the man had run into a nearby service station on Cessnock Road, where he stole several items before running from the scene again,” a police spokesman said. “Following a search of the area, police located the man, aged 34, in a church on Station Street. “When police attempted to speak to the man he allegedly ran from officers before stopping nearby. “Police again attempted to speak to the man; however, he allegedly attempted to assault officers before being arrested. During the arrest, police deployed OC spray and a taser.” The man was tended to by NSW Ambulance paramedics before he was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with seven counts of common assault, assaulting a police officer, affray, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was also charged with stalking and intimidating with intent to cause fear and physical harm, arming himself with the intent to commit an offence and shoplifting. The man has been refused bail and will appear in Bail Division Local Court on Saturday.