Man arrested after two-hour roof standoff armed with pitchfork and machete
A 34-year-old South Albury man was arrested after a two-hour roof standoff with a pitchfork and machete.
Police were called after the man climbed onto his roof with a pitchfork and machete in his backpack and smashed several roof tiles. The man threatened officers while armed with the pitchfork.
Specialist police and firefighters negotiated with him for two hours, during which he drank a bottle of wine. The man eventually threw down his weapons and backpack into his rear yard and was brought down safely with firefighter assistance.
The man was assessed for mental health concerns and cleared. He was charged with using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention and malicious damage.
He was bailed and will appear in Albury Local Court on November 4.
- 34-year-old South Albury resident
- Man's age and location
- Two hours
- Duration of standoff
- October 20
- Custody date
- November 4
- Court date
Why it mattersThe incident demonstrates the risks police face in armed standoffs and the importance of specialist negotiation and mental health response training.
AustraliaThe case will be heard in NSW local courts under current weapons and property damage laws.
Open this story in InSnip →
