Residents of Cessnock are questioning why police failed to use force to stop a rogue driver during a bizarre slow-speed pursuit that ended in destruction across the town.
A 59-year-old man, Brett Kevin Anderson, was arrested after allegedly causing extensive property damage in a reckless rampage late Monday night. The Service Centre was among several businesses hit before police finally intercepted the suspect in Sawyers Gully.
The ordeal began around 10:30 PM when police received reports of an SUV being driven erratically through town, allegedly ramming into structures and damaging properties. According to witnesses, the vehicle appeared out of control, yet police took a cautious approach, following the suspect rather than taking direct action.
Despite clear risks to public safety, officers engaged in what was described as a slow-speed pursuit, trailing Anderson’s SUV but failing to immediately force him off the road. The chase eventually ended on Frame Drive in Sawyers Gully, where Anderson was arrested without further incident.
The response—or lack thereof—has left many in the community questioning whether police could have done more to prevent further destruction.
“It was a slow-speed pursuit, so why didn’t they just ram the car off the road or use spike strips? It went on for too long,” said one frustrated resident. “More businesses were damaged because they didn’t act fast enough.”
The Service Centre, one of the locations damaged during the rampage, suffered structural harm, though the full extent is still being assessed.
Anderson was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with seven counts of destroying or damaging property, reckless driving, and failing to stop for police. He faced Cessnock Local Court today, where he pleaded guilty to all charges.
The magistrate refused bail, citing the severity of the offenses. Anderson will remain in custody until his next court appearance via video link on March 26.
NSW Police have not yet provided a detailed response regarding their handling of the pursuit. However, officers appeared to take a cautious approach throughout the incident.
Critics argue that allowing the vehicle to continue moving only increased the risk to property and public safety. “If this had been in Sydney, the police would have handled it differently,” one resident commented.
Authorities are continuing their investigations, and it remains unclear whether police protocol will be reviewed following public criticism.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned to MHV News.