A police officer has been assaulted during the arrest of a man wanted on seven outstanding warrants, when he tried to evade a NSW-Victorian border checkpoint this morning.
Three police officers and two Defence Force personnel were manning a border crossing at Federation Way at Corowa when a car, with three people on board, was stopped about 4.50am today (Saturday 1 August 2020).
The 22-year-old female driver and a 25-year-old woman in the front-passenger seat presented valid permits and ID; however, police allege a man travelling in the back seat provided false information.
After checks revealed the man was wanted on seven outstanding warrants – including a revocation of parole warrant – the 21-year-old man attempted to run from the vehicle, allegedly punching a senior constable in the face, knocking him to the ground.
Police and Defence Force officers intervened and arrested the man after a short struggle.
He has been taken to Corowa Hospital due to concerns about the effects of suspected drug ingestion. Officers seized drug paraphernalia when the vehicle was searched.
The driver returned a positive roadside drug test for methamphetamine and has had her licence suspended for 24 hours. Any further action will depend on the outcome of the secondary testing.
Police are waiting for the man to be released from hospital.
The senior constable has been treated for facial swelling and bruising; all officers have now been checked at hospital and released.