Man charged after vehicle fire leaves police officer with smoke injuries
A 32-year-old arrested with a lighter after a vehicle erupted on City Road, Merewether.
Police spotted a car alight on City Road at Merewether just before 2.50pm on Wednesday. Fire crews rushed to the scene and extinguished the blaze.
The vehicle and a nearby power pole were heavily damaged. A police officer at the scene was treated for smoke inhalation.
Police arrested a 32-year-old man nearby who was carrying a lighter. He has been charged with domestic violence offences, including contravening an apprehended violence order, and aggravated damage to a vehicle by fire.
He was also charged with damaging property by fire. He spent the night in custody before facing court for bail on Thursday.
Why it mattersThe domestic violence charges suggest the fire was a deliberate act, highlighting risks faced by people subject to protection orders.
AustraliaIncident occurred in Newcastle; shows how domestic violence can escalate to property damage and risks to bystanders including police.
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