By Lia Harris
A man has been charged after three police officers were allegedly assaulted in Sydney’s west, with one being knocked unconscious for more than an hour.
Two female officers were called to a mental health incident in Bidwill on Friday evening, where they found a man sitting on the side of the road.
Police said the man stood up as the two officers approached him before allegedly assaulting a 23-year-old female officer by kicking and punching her and knocking her to the ground.
The second officer, a 22-year-old woman, was also punched in the face while attempting to arrest the man.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Darrin Batchelor said another patrol car arrived at the scene shortly after and saw the female officer lying unconscious on the ground.
“They immediately got out of the car and assisted in the arresting of that offender.”
Male officer allegedly bit
Capsicum spray was used to subdue the 19-year-old man, who was arrested and put into a patrol car.
He also later allegedly bit a male officer on the arm while being transported to the hospital for treatment.
The 23-year-old officer remained unconscious for up to 70 minutes while being taken by ambulance to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.
She had since been discharged from hospital.
The 22-year-old female officer was taken to hospital as a precaution, and the male officer who was allegedly bitten is awaiting blood tests results.
The 19-year-old man has now been released from hospital and charged with three counts of assault police officer in execution of duty causing actual bodily harm and three counts of hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.
He will face Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.
Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said the alleged assaults were an example of the risks police officers faced on a daily basis.
“I commend the bravery and courage of the officers involved — they deserve respect not violence.
“Police attend these welfare-related jobs on a daily basis, and incidents like this one highlight the risks and dangers officers face when they are out on our streets protecting the local community.”