Wollongong Centrelink in lockdown after man throws petrol around
A man will face court after emergency services were called to a south coast Centrelink after offices were sent into lockdown.
Illawarra Star
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Centrelink’s Wollongong centre was sent into a frightening lockdown on Thursday, after a man allegedly doused the office in petrol.
The incident occurred just after 2pm, when a 57-year-old man, understood to be a customer, took a jerry can of fuel into the Department of Human Services building on Burelli Street and allegedly splashed it over the carpet.
The man was immediately removed by a security guard, who contacted police about the incident.
Upon searching the man, officers allegedly located matches and a lighter in his jacket pockets.
Worried customers were evacuated from the office, while staff were placed into lockdown and sent to another part of the building.
Wollongong Police District Acting Inspector David Willis said the man was arrested almost immediately.
“It’s a dangerous situation, everyone was evacuated pretty quickly, not just because of the smell but for any possible explosion as well,” he said.
“Quite a few people (who were in Centrelink at the time) were quite shaken up.”
He has been charged with possess article with intent to destroy/damage others property, destroy or damage property and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal).
The man is due to appear in Wollongong Local Court on February 4.