An early Christmas morning visit to his family turned ugly for a Warrawong father when police were forced to taser him twice after he charged at them during a dramatic arrest, Wollongong Local Court was told yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tony Popovski initially tried to flee from officers shortly after they arrived at his mother's Warrawong home in response to allegations the 30-year-old had threatened to kill her, the court was told.
When Popovski couldn't escape over a nearby fence, he allegedly ran directly towards police, forcing officers to taser him.
Police allege Popovski's mother phoned triple-0 about 1.45am on Christmas morning, stating that Popovski was damaging property at the home and trying to kill her.
Officers arrived at the home and saw Popovski standing in the driveway, allegedly sweating profusely, making nonsensical conversation and appearing highly drug-affected, paranoid and agitated.
It is alleged he ran into a nearby alleyway, screaming as police started to chase him, fearing he was suffering a severe psychotic episode resulting from drug abuse.
When Popovski failed to mount a fence into someone's yard, he allegedly ran at the officers, forcing them to taser him.
He immediately fell to the ground where police again used the stun gun on him.
Popovski was taken to Shellharbour Hospital where he allegedly admitted to using cannabis and methamphetamine.
He was charged with contravening an AVO.
Opposing Popovski’s bail yesterday, prosecutor Sergeant Anna Comer cited the strength of the police case and the need to protect the alleged victim and the community.
Defence solicitor Angela Melouney told the court Popovski planned to contest the allegations, noting police had tasered him twice, despite havING no knowledge if he was armed. Ms Melouney said her client had gone to visit his children, as he was concerned about their care, and believed the AVO against his mother had expired.
The court heard Popovski could live with friends, report to police and provide a surety.
Registrar Kathy Frost refused bail and adjourned the matter to January 2.