A 58-year-old Muswellbrook man has been refused bail after allegedly throwing an improvised explosive device at tactical police officers during a 16-hour siege at his home last week.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District attended a house on Parkinson Avenue, Muswellbrook, about 2pm on Thursday, June 25, to execute an arrest warrant. The man allegedly resisted arrest and threatened officers with a compound bow, prompting a perimeter to be established and an operation to commence with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit.
During the stand-off, the man allegedly poured fuel throughout the house and threw gas bottles at officers. About 6am the following morning, tactical officers forced entry into the property, at which point the man allegedly threw an improvised explosive device at them, setting them alight. Officers were able to extinguish themselves before using beanbag rounds to bring the man under control.
Several officers were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor burns to the face, arms and neck. None required further treatment. The man was also treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further assessment.
A search warrant executed at the premises about 12pm that day resulted in the seizure of a number of offensive weapons including a mace and crossbow, as well as cannabis.
The man was charged with 19 offences, including throwing an explosive with intent to maim or cause grievous bodily harm, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and assault police. He was refused bail when he appeared in court on Tuesday, June 30, and is due to appear again at a later date.
