Lake Macquarie Arson Investigation: Second Man Charged Over Council Building Fire

newy.com.au – A second man has been charged in connection with a devastating fire that destroyed the Lake Macquarie City Council building late last year, with damages exceeding $12 million.

Emergency services were called to Main Road, Speers Point, around 3:50 am on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, after reports of a blaze. Upon arrival, officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District found the council building engulfed in flames. Despite the efforts of Fire and Rescue NSW crews, the structure sustained significant damage.

A crime scene was established, and Strike Force Komiatum was launched to investigate the suspected arson. Following public appeals and extensive inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a unit in East Maitland on Thursday, 16 January 2025. During the search, police allegedly seized a dark grey utility vehicle, a firearm, a small bag containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine, and other items of interest.

A 53-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including arson, firearm possession, and drug-related charges. He remains before the courts.

As the investigation continued, detectives arrested a second suspect, a 43-year-old man, in Newcastle at around 4:30 pm on Thursday, 6 February 2025. He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with destroying property in company using fire. The man was refused bail and is set to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Friday, 7 February 2025.

Strike Force Komiatum’s inquiries into the incident remain ongoing.