A tense and frightening scene unfolded at a Central Coast shopping centre on Monday afternoon after a woman was allegedly seen threatening members of the public with a knife in an unprovoked incident.
About 5pm (Monday, 16 February 2026), officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were called to a shopping centre on Goobarabah Avenue in Lake Haven following reports a woman was armed and behaving aggressively.
Police were told the woman was allegedly waving the knife at people and making threats to stab members of the public. Several bystanders intervened, managing to disarm and restrain the woman until police arrived.
A 22-year-old man sustained an injury to his finger during the incident. No other injuries were reported.
The 39-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and taken to Wyong Hospital for assessment.
Investigations are ongoing. Police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time, or who has mobile phone footage, to contact Wyong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The incident has left many shoppers shaken, with questions being raised about safety in busy public spaces.
