A man accused of breaking a police officer’s finger in a violent confrontation at Otford will face court today.
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The man was allegedly driving a Holden Commodore that attracted the interest of passers-by when it moved strangely through Austinmer about 6pm Friday.
Reports to police are that the car stopped and blocked traffic, a man with a bleeding head wound at the wheel.
Police caught up with the car on Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Otford soon afterwards.
The driver, a 29-year-old man from South Hurstville, passed a random breath test but checks suggested he was disqualified from driving and had allegedly breached bail conditions.
He and his 31-year-old brother, seated in the car beside him, allegedly became aggressive when police tried to arrest him.
Police allege the brother grew agitated, repeatedly telling them, “leave my brother alone”.
The driver also became agitated, quickly moving his hands up, then down, when asked to place them on the car, police allege.
During the attempted arrest of the man it’s alleged he resisted officers before assaulting a male senior constable.
It’s further alleged the man’s passenger, a 31-year-old man, repeatedly attempted to hinder police as the man ran south of the carpark area at Bald Hill.
The man was later subdued using a burst of capsicum spray.
Both were arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station.
The 29-year-old old was charged with assault police officer causing actual bodily harm; resist arrest; drive whilst licence cancelled; and breach of bail.
He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Saturday.
The older man was issued a court attendance notice for the offence of hinder police and will appear at Wollongong Local Court on September 18.
The officer was taken to Wollongong Hospital suffering a fractured left middle finger, injuries to his face and hand.
Wollongong Police District Commander, Superintendent Chris Craner, said the alleged incident showed the dangers police faced daily.
“Our local police put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis in an effort to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime in the Illawarra region,” Supt Craner said.
“Incidents like this highlight the very real risks they face.”