An off-duty police officer is being praised after intervening in an alleged robbery at a Moree grocery store, despite being injured in the process.
Police allege the incident unfolded about 4.20pm on Monday 23 March 2026, when the off-duty sergeant was inside a store on Balo Street and observed a man allegedly stealing items.
The officer identified himself and directed the man to return the goods, but police say the man refused and fled, sparking a short foot pursuit.
During the confrontation, the man allegedly pushed the officer into a glass cabinet, causing lacerations to his arms and back. Police further allege the officer was repeatedly forced into the shattered glass before the man fled the scene.
Despite his injuries, the officer’s quick actions are being credited with helping bring the situation under control and ensuring a swift response.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the officer at the scene before he was taken to Moree Hospital. He has since been released.
About 4.50pm the same day, officers from New England Police District attended a home on Auburn Street, where a 38-year-old man was allegedly found hiding in a laundry.
He was arrested and taken to Moree Police Station, where he was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer, wounding a police officer, contravening an AVO, and shoplifting.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Court 5 on Tuesday 24 March 2026.
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