A man has been charged with punching a female police officer in the face and escaping police custody in the Hunter.
Just after 9am Thursday Port Stephens-Hunter Police attended a home on Richardson Road, Raymond Terrace, to execute a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO).
During a search of the home, police claim to have seized firearms and prohibited drugs, which will undergo further examination.
A 45-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Raymond Terrance Police Station, before he was transferred to John Hunter Hospital for observation.
About 12.45am Friday, the man was discharged from hospital and returned to police custody. But police will allege the man punched a female constable in the face and ran into nearby bushland.
A perimeter was established and despite an extensive search, the man was not found.
Following inquiries, the man was allegedly found by police attempting to hitchhike on Industrial Highway, Mayfield, about 4.30am Friday.
Police said the man ran from officers and was arrested a short time later, with assistance from the Dog Unit, before being taken to Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle for treatment to a dog bite.
Upon release, he was then charged with three counts of possess unregistered firearm-not pistol/prohibited firearm; two counts of possess prohibited drug; resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty; escape police custody; destroy or damage property; enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse; resist officer in execution of duty and not keep firearm safely.
He was refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrance Local Court on September 13.
