OFFICER KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AFTER POLICE CHASE
A Waratah man has been charged with knocking a police officer unconscious in the Hunter yesterday afternoon.
Police began pursuing a Toyota Soarer along Richardson Road at Campvale around 5pm on Wednesday, but the pursuit was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
The same vehicle was later spotted in nearby Finnan Park, and when police tried to arrest the man, he allegedly struck an officer in the head with a metal torch.
Pepper spray was deployed, and the 24-year-old was taken into custody.
He was charged with a string of offences including resisting arrest and wounding a police officer.
He’ll face Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.
The injured senior constable from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District was taken to hospital where his head wound was stitched.
He’s now recovering at home.