Newy 87.8 FM – Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have released CCTV of a man and a white Mercedes-Benz A190 hatchback as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged armed robbery and assault at a Union Street, Cooks Hill hotel in 2024.
About 4am on Wednesday 28 February 2024, a 50-year-old man — the manager of the hotel — was threatened and detained by two unknown men armed with a machete and a baseball bat, and forced to open the hotel's door.
At the same time, a 68-year-old man employed as a cleaner at the hotel was allegedly assaulted by a third unknown man who was waiting outside in a vehicle. The three men left a short time later in the vehicle with an amount of cash from the hotel.
Newcastle City Police District officers found the 68-year-old unconscious. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to hospital in a serious condition. The 50-year-old was uninjured.
The investigation is being run by State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crimes Squad under Strike Force Krichauff. Two men, aged 32 and 37, have been charged and remain before the courts.
Detectives have released images of a white Mercedes-Benz A190 hatchback with damage on the rear left passenger door, and a man who may be able to assist with inquiries. He wore a hooded jumper, baseball cap, tracksuit pants and black shoes with a distinctive white mark or stain on the right shoe.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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