A Wollongong cab driver intervened in heroic style as police chased a knife-wielding man through the city centre, a court has heard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Nathan Prinorac is accused of initiating the foot pursuit on Tuesday morning after he allegedly approached a group of police in Crown Street Mall, pulled a large knife out of the sleeve of his jacket and waved it at officers, telling them: ‘‘let’s go c-nts! I’m gonna f-ckin’ stab ya!’’.
According to documents tendered to Port Kembla Court on Friday, three officers drew their firearms as the 22-year-old came closer.
He was sprayed with a burst of capsicum spray ‘‘which appeared to have little effect’’, then allegedly fled westward.
The cabbie was with his taxi on Station Street when he noticed Prinorac approaching with police in pursuit.
The driver crossed the road to place himself in the knifeman’s path, later telling police he knew the train station would be crowded, and he feared for the safety of bystanders if Prinorac continued on.
The court heard the cabbie stood with his arms out as Prinorac ran at him with the 20cm blade in hand.
‘‘[Prinorac] has got within reach of [the driver] and ... swung the knife towards the head of [the driver] in a slashing motion,’’ court papers allege.
‘‘[The driver] ducked beneath this swing, avoiding serious injury, and grabbed hold of the accused around the chest and left arm. The ... arm ... holding the knife grazed past the forehead of [the driver] as a result of the swing.’’
Prinorac allegedly then broke free by taking off his jacket.
The court heart he continued running towards the train station, but was caught by police just outside the eastern entrance, and subdued using a Taser.
He faces seven charges of assaulting officers, using an offensive weapon, resisting police and using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
The court heard CCTV footage would contribute to a ‘‘strong’’ prosecution case.
Arguing for bail, defence lawyer John Gallagher said his client was a mentally ill man who had been confined to a Sydney Hospital for a long period last year.
Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused Prinorac’s application to live with his grandmother in Lake Heights.
The matter returns to court July 28.
