Man charged over suspicious package at Glendale shopping centre

newy.com.au – A 64-year-old man will face court today after being charged over a suspicious package that forced the evacuation of part of a Glendale shopping centre last week.

Emergency services were called to a bus stop at the shopping centre on Stockland Drive about 9.35am on Wednesday, April 29, following reports of an unattended package.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found what police allege was a threatening note on a black duffel bag. A crime scene and perimeter were established, and the nearby area was evacuated as a precaution while the package was assessed.

The area was later cleared before specialist officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit declared it safe.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives attended a home on Barraba Street, Whitebridge, on Tuesday, May 5, where they arrested the man. He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with leave/send substance/article create false belief danger.

Police refused the man bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today, Wednesday, May 6.