Detectives have arrested a man following an investigation into five historical armed robberies on the state's Central Coast, including three incidents where a firearm was produced.
About 2.50pm on Thursday 25 October 2001, two men – one armed with a firearm – entered a jewellery store on Karalta Road, Erina.
The men threatened staff before stealing cash and jewellery and fled the scene in a blue Holden Commodore sedan, being driven by a third man.
As the vehicle was being driven from the scene, it's alleged one of the men leant out and fired a shot at an off-duty probationary constable, who was pursuing them on foot.
In a separate incident, about 1.20pm on Monday 4 July 2005, a man entered a post office on Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach.
The man threatened a staff member before stealing cash and was driven from the scene by a second man.
Police also commenced investigations after reports of two incidents on Saturday 9 July 2005.
In the first incident, a group of men – two armed with firearms – entered a licensed hotel on the Pacific Highway at Charmhaven, about 3.45pm.
The men threatened patrons and attempted to steal cash from the register. The men left empty handed and were last seen entering a stolen 1986 Ford Falcon wagon.
About an hour later, a group of men entered a pharmacy on Wallarah Road, Gorokan.
The men threatened a staff member before stealing cash and other items. They were last seen entering a stolen HZ Holden station wagon.
In a fifth incident, about 12.30pm on Wednesday 20 July 2005, two men – one armed with a firearm – entered a post office on Gamban Road, Gwandalan.
The men threatened a staff member and demanded cash before leaving in a stolen red Holden Commodore sedan.
No one was physically injured during the five incidents.
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Braithwaite to investigate the incidents, which are believed to be linked.
Three men – aged 36, 47 and 57 – have previously been charged by Strike Force Braithwaite detectives. They remain before the courts.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Tacoma and arrested a 54-year-old man about 8am today (Thursday 7 November 2019).
Police Divers are also assisting with the investigation and are currently conducting a search of a section of the Wyong River.
The man was taken to Wyong Police Station, and charges are expected to be laid.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Braithwaite detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
