Police officer charged after alleged assault and $100,000 robbery of 78-year-old in Lightning Ridge

A police officer has been charged for his part in a terrifying assault on a 78-year-old man before he allegedly stole $100,000 in cash with an accomplice.

Two men, including the officer attached to the Southern region, will appear in court on Friday following the alleged aggravated break-and-enter in northwestern NSW earlier this month.

About 7.30pm on Thursday October 3, emergency services were called to a property in Lightning Ridge following reports two men had allegedly forced entry to the home and tied up the 78-year-old occupant before threatening him and stealing $100,000 cash.

The elderly man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for arm and leg injuries, before being taken to Lightning Ridge Hospital in a stable condition. He has since been released.

Officers attached to central north police district commenced an investigation with the matter referred to the professional standards command after one of the men allegedly involved was identified as an off-duty police officer.

Following extensive investigations under strike force beniel, detectives – with assistance from specialist officers – executed search warrants at two homes in the Lake Illawarra area on Thursday, seizing several items relevant to the investigation.

During a subsequent vehicle stop at Shell Cove, investigators arrested a 36-year-old off-duty senior constable and a 51-year-old man.

Both men were taken to Lake Illawarra police station where they were charged with aggravated break and commit serious indictable offence.

They were both refused bail to appear before Wollongong Local Court on Friday.

Investigations under Strike Force Beniel remain ongoing and the officer’s employment status is under review.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.