In a dramatic turn of events, a 45-year-old man has been taken into custody after a siege unfolded, leading to the lockdown of a TAFE campus in Wollongbar, Northern New South Wales. The Tactical Operations Unit made the arrest around 2 pm following an extensive police operation that had the community on edge.
The incident began when police, including negotiators and PolAir, responded to a private residence along the Bruxner Highway in Wollongbar. The operation was initiated based on a “concern for welfare” warning received in the area. The public played a crucial role in aiding law enforcement during the operation, which required the shutdown of parts of Wollongbar.
Northern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna provided updates, stating that the situation concluded at around 2 pm with the successful apprehension of the man. Importantly, the resolution occurred without any injuries, and the suspect is now under police guard at Lismore Base Hospital.
The police operation prompted the lockdown of the TAFE NSW campus in Wollongbar, with students directed inside as a precautionary measure. Assistant Commissioner McKenna expressed gratitude to the community for their understanding, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the shutdown but emphasizing its necessity for everyone’s safety.
He confirmed that the residence was being searched as part of the ongoing investigation. While the specific details of the incident leading to the siege remain under wraps, initial investigations suggest that the man may not have been involved in any serious offending.
The incident created a temporary exclusion zone, resulting in road closures along the Bruxner Highway between Sneaths Road and McLeans Ridges Road. The closure is expected to persist for some time. Authorities advised those in the vicinity of the Bruxner Highway and Lindendale Road intersection to stay indoors, although they reassured the public that there is no ongoing risk.
The involvement of PolAir, negotiators, and the Tactical Operations Unit highlights the seriousness of the situation. The community’s cooperation and adherence to police guidance played a pivotal role in ensuring a safe resolution. As investigations continue, more details may emerge about the circumstances leading to this tense event in Wollongbar, underscoring the unpredictability of such incidents in regional areas.