Man dies attempting to cross flooded road – Coutts Crossing
February 1, 2012
A man has died attempting to cross a flood-affected road at Coutts Crossing, just south of Grafton.
About 9.50pm yesterday (Tuesday 31 January 2012), a 66-year-old man from Coutts Crossing was driving towards Grafton and tried to drive across a low-lying flood-affected road.
The car he was driving has become immersed in water and stopped. It appears the man got out the car and entered the water which was approximately 160cm deep and was swept into a culvert and washed underneath the roadway. A passing motorist has seen the car in the water, stopped and commenced to search for the driver.
Police attended the scene and discovered the owner of the car was a local man. They commenced a search and located the body of the man about five metres from the car and attempted to revive him without success.
Police are now preparing a report for the Coroner.
Weather Situation Update for North Coast NSW
January 25, 2012
The State Emergency Service says that heavy rainfall is predicted to continue in the northern half of the Norther Rivers area over the next 24-48 hours.
With rainfalls of up to 200mm overnight, flooding continues across the area. Rainfall averaging 80-100mm is expected, with the potential for very heavy, localised falls up to 250mm in the Tweed area.
There is a high potential for flash flooding in the area and the Bureau of Meteorology has a Severe Weather Warning in place.
There are also eight Flood Warnings, a Flood Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in place. People in the affected areas are advised to check the Bureau of Meteorology’s website for updates on the warnings.
Man drowns in Richmond River – Ballina
January 22, 2012
Police from the Richmond Local Area Command are preparing a report for the coroner following the death of a man at Ballina yesterday.
About 4.30pm (Saturday 21 January 2012), a 35-year-old Korean National was swimming with three friends in the Richmond River at an area known as ‘The Spit’, near the Missingham Bridge.
Police were told all four swimmers were in up to their waists when all have come into difficulty.
A local surf instructor noticed the men and went into the river to assist, and managed to get three of the swimmers back to shore.
It was then noted that the 35-year-old man was still missing.
Police were called and a search for the man commenced utilising a jet boat rescue vessel and the Westpac Helicopter.
The man was pulled from the water unconscious and was unable to be revived.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police seize $7.5m worth of cannabis during Eradication Program
January 21, 2012
Police have seized $7.5 million worth of cannabis in Richmond Local Area Command during the second group of raids in the 2011-2012 Cannabis Eradication Program.
Strike Force Hyperion comprises detectives from the Drug Squad’s Cannabis Team, with assistance from the NSW Police Air Wing, Police Dog Unit, Radio Electronics Unit and officers from Richmond Local Area Command.
During the past week, Strike Force Hyperion officers targeted more than 60 cannabis crop sites throughout Richmond Local Area Command, including Kippenduff, Rappville, Clearfield, Busby Flat, Mummulgum, Bulldog, Drake, Nimbin, Blue Knob, Kyogle and Tabulam.
A total of 3734 plants were located and seized by police during the operation.
Three female youths arrested following beach robbery – Yamba
January 15, 2012
Police have arrested and charged three female youths following a robbery at Yamba.
About 3.45pm yesterday (Saturday 14 January 2012), two Sydney women were sunbaking on Pippi Beach in Yamba when they were approached by three young people.
One of the youths, armed with a large stick, allegedly attacked one of the women, striking her on the back of the head and shoulders.
The youths then rummaged through the women’s bags, taking a wallet and cash, before running from the scene.
Police were contacted and immediately commenced a search for the youths.
Two youths, aged 15 and 12, and matching descriptions provided to police, were sighted on Robinson Street shortly after the search commenced. However, upon spotting police, the youths ran into a nearby golf course.
Police pursued them, arresting one in the golf course and the other at a property in Robinson Street a short time later.
The third youth, an 11-year-old, was arrested in nearby bushland.
All three young people were taken to Yamba Police Station.
The 15-year-old was charged with robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon (in company), resisting arrest, breaching bail and having suspected stolen goods. She was refused bail to appear via video link at Parramatta Children’s Court today (Sunday 15 January 2012).
The 11-year-old and 12-year-old were charged with robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon (in company). Both were granted conditional bail to appear before the Maclean Children’s Court on 14 February 2012.
Police officer charged with alleged indecent assault – Goonellabah
January 5, 2012
A male police officer has been charged following an alleged indecent assault in Goonellabah last year.
The constable, who is a serving officer attached to Northern Region, was served with a future court attendance notice today (Thursday 5 January 2012), charged with assault with act of indecency and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The charges relate to the alleged indecent assault of a woman at her home in Goonellabah on Saturday 5 November 2011.
He is due to appear in Lismore Local Court on Thursday 16 February 2012.
The officer’s duty status is under review.
Man charged with murder following death of cyclist – Mullumbimby
January 5, 2012
Police have arrested and charged a man with murder after allegedly running down a cyclist at Mullumbimby earlier in the week.
About 10:30am, Tuesday 3 January 2012, a 60-year-old man was riding his motorised bicycle south along Coolamon Scenic Drive when he was allegedly hit from behind by a white van.
The van driver allegedly failed to stop at the scene and the 60-year-old man was found by a passing surf lifesaver. The injured man was taken to Mullumbimby Hospital where he died.
Detectives from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command and officers from the Ballina Crash Investigation Unit attended the scene and commenced investigations into the incident.
About 10am yesterday (Wednesday 4 January 2012), police attended a house in Nashua where they arrested a 53-year-old man and seized his white Toyota Hiace van for examination.
The man was taken to Byron Bay Police Station where he was charged with murder and dangerous driving occasioning death.
He has been refused bail to appear in Lismore Local Court today (Thursday 5 January 2012).
Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with the matter, however, would still like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police.
Anyone with information that could assist police with their inquiries is asked to contact Byron Bay Police or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Man arrested after Mercedes Benz located – Byron Bay
January 4, 2012
A man wanted in relation to an assault and robbery at Zetland last week has been arrested at Byron Bay.
About 6.45am today, Byron Bay Police received information that a black Mercedes Benz was seen in Bayshore Drive at Byron Bay.
Police attended to confirm that information and a 26-year-old man was found asleep inside the car.
He was arrested without incident and taken to Byron Bay Police Station.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police appeal following death of cyclist in hit-and-run collision – Mullumbimby
January 3, 2012
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a cyclist following a hit-and-run collision at Mullumbimby this morning.
About 10am, Tuesday, 3 January 2012, police were called to Synotts Road following reports a cyclist had been hit by a vehicle.
A passing Surf Life Saver stopped at the scene and rendered first aid to the man, who had sustained serious head injuries.
Paramedics were called to the scene and the man, believed to be aged in his late 30s, was taken to Mullumbimby Hospital where he died.
A crime scene has been established on Synotts Road, with officers attached to the Ballina Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene.
Girl dies after crash south of Ballina
December 27, 2011
Police are preparing a report for the information of the Coroner after a child died following a car crash south of Ballina yesterday afternoon.
The five-year-old girl suffered critical head injuries after being thrown from a Holden Barina when it left the Pacific Highway, near Broadwater, and hit a tree shortly before 3pm yesterday (26 December).
She was taken to Lismore Base Hospital where she died early this morning.
The driver of the car, a 49-year-old woman, from Melton in Victoria, escaped injury.
An eight-year-old boy, also from Melton, escaped with minor injuries, grazes and bruising. He has since been released from Lismore Base Hospital.
Both children were travelling in the back seat.
Lanes in both directions of the Pacific Highway were closed to allow the helicopter to land and remained closed for more than two hours while the scene was examined.
Officers attached to Ballina Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, or the events leading up to it, is urged to contact the Ballina Crash Investigation Unit or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
