Hunter Valley Man Charged After Alleged Property Damage Rampage in Cessnock

newy.com.au – A 59-year-old man has been charged after allegedly causing extensive property damage and leading police on a dangerous pursuit through Cessnock on Monday night, 17 March 2025.

Police were alerted around 10:30pm following multiple reports of a white Subaru Forester being driven recklessly, damaging several structures across the area. Investigations revealed the vehicle had allegedly rammed into multiple properties, including a steel fence at a public pool on Allandale Road, the gates and glass doors of a NSW Government agency on Darwin Street, the roller door of an apartment building on North Road, a parked vehicle in a car park on Darwin Street, and the windows of a business on the same street.

Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District responded and attempted to stop the driver on Elizabeth Street, Cessnock. However, when the man allegedly failed to comply, police initiated a pursuit. The chase ended on Frame Drive in Sawyers Gully, where the man was arrested.

A search of the man reportedly uncovered a small resealable bag containing a substance that will undergo forensic testing. He was taken to Cessnock Hospital for mandatory testing before being transported to Cessnock Police Station.

The man has been charged with seven counts of destroy or damage property, driving in a reckless or dangerous manner, and police pursuit – failing to stop. He was refused bail and is set to appear before Cessnock Local Court today, Tuesday 18 March 2025.

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