A man has been charged following an alleged armed robbery at a service station in Rutherford yesterday morning.

Emergency services were called to the New England Highway service station about 5.30am on Wednesday, 27 May, after reports a man armed with a knife allegedly threatened an employee before fleeing with cash.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended the scene and commenced investigations.

Police later arrested a 23-year-old man at a home on Garwood Street, Rutherford, about 11.40am the same day.

During a search of the property, officers allegedly located and seized cash and a knife.

The man was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.

He appeared before Bail Division Court 2 today (Thursday 28 May 2026), where he was formally refused bail.

He is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.