UPDATED: Driver Left Shaken After Teen Allegedly Threatened to Kill Her in Mayfield West Carjacking Attempt Yesterday

This article was updated at 4:16pm on 4th April 2025.

newy.com.au – A Newcastle woman has been left traumatised after a peak-hour encounter on Thursday, 3 April 2025, when a 15-year-old boy allegedly entered her vehicle and threatened to kill her if she didn’t drive.

The incident occurred just after 7:00am on Maitland Road, near Industrial Drive in Mayfield West, closing one southbound lane. Police later confirmed the teenager was also seen running through moving traffic and allegedly threatening multiple drivers.

Deborah Benseman, the woman targeted, has since spoken out, describing the distressing moment the boy allegedly forced his way into her car.

“He threatened to kill me and said he was going to shoot me if I didn’t drive,” she alleged. “He was under the influence and has now put me in crisis. I have a family and honestly, I can’t fathom what would have happened if Dave and Rachael didn’t stop to help.”

Dave Mirfin, who witnessed the incident, intervened by pulling the teen from the car and restraining him until police and paramedics arrived.

Deborah told Newy 87.8 the incident has left her deeply shaken.

“Long term I don’t know, but currently I’m on edge and emotionally drained. Just a nervous ball of energy,” she said. “I’m waiting to speak with a counsellor on Monday to talk things through.”

NSW Police have confirmed the boy was arrested and charged with common assault, destroy or damage property, and stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm. He had also allegedly assaulted a man known to him earlier that morning at a nearby home.

The 15-year-old was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before a children’s court on Monday, 14 April 2025.

Deborah said she intends to press charges and hopes the incident leads to proper intervention.

“I want the authorities to get involved and really help him,” she said. “But this young boy has made me feel unsafe, and that’s not ok.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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Police Statement:

About 7am yesterday (Thursday 3 April 2025), police were called to Maitland Road, Warabrook[sic], following a concern for welfare.

At the scene, police located a teenage boy running through traffic and allegedly making threats towards multiple drivers.

Police were also told the boy allegedly assaulted a man known to him at a nearby home prior to the incident.

The 15-year-old boy was arrested and has since been charged with common assault, destroy or damage property, and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 14 April 2025.

(Editor’s note: The incident occurred on Maitland Road in Mayfield West, not Warabrook.)