Scott Matheson charged after alleged Lake Macquarie Council building arson and drive-by shooting on Newcastle home
A Newcastle man has faced court after neighbouring detectives on two separate strike forces arrested the accused over an alleged $12m arson on a council chambers and a drive-by shooting.
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A Newcastle man has faced court after neighbouring detectives on two separate strike forces arrested the accused over an alleged $12m arson on a council chambers and a drive-by shooting.
Bar Beach man Scott Matheson, 43, was arrested in Newcastle on Thursday following an investigation by Strike Force Balgo detectives over a drive-by shooting at a home in Elermore Vale on January 29.
Police allege the home was sprayed with bullets which became lodged in the front of the dwelling and in a car.
During investigations, a Bar Beach home was raided and an arsenal of guns were found; including rifles, pistols and a gel blaster as well as a NSW Police issued baseball cap.
A silver Holden Commodore Utility was also seized.
When Matheson arrived at Newcastle Police Station to be charged on Thursday, Lake Macquarie detectives also nabbed him over a separate string of charges relating to an arson attack at Lake Macquarie City Council chambers in November last year.
Police allege Matheson was one of two men seen breaking into the Speers Point premise carrying a petrol can and a second container before pouring an unknown liquid on the ground and service counter.
He is the second person to be charged over the alleged arson.
In police facts tendered to court last week after a first arrest, it was revealed matches and a lighter were used to allegedly spark the blaze, which spread the fire to parts of the building. The damage bill is an estimated $12m.
It was also heard in court detectives discovered CCTV footage of a pre-dawn McDonald’s run at Warners Bay moments after the alleged arson, which helped police tracked down a ute captured at the scene of the alleged arson.
In Newcastle Local Court on Friday a legal aid solicitor said Matheson would not be appearing and did not seek bail.
The 43-year-old is facing numerous charges including fire firearm at dwelling with disregards for safety, as well as drug possession, goods in custody and wearing a police uniform when not a police officer.
Those charges were adjourned until April.
Matheson’s charges in relation to the alleged arson were then referred to Toronto Local Court where they will be heard next week.
Matheson’s charges in relation to the alleged arson were then referred to Toronto Local Court where they will be heard next week.
Meanwhile, Tony Charles Graham, was arrested over his alleged involvement in the council arson last week, allegedly identified as the driver of the grey ute which left council vicinity and went to McDonald’s the night of the fire.
The 53-year-old is facing a series of charges including destroying property in company using fire etc as well as gun and drug offences following a raid on an East Maitland property.
Detectives allegedly seized a single-barrel long arm rifle found next to Graham’s bed and a substance believed to be methamphetamine.
A grey LDV utility from the property was also seized for further forensic analysis.
Police allege Graham had waited at the car while two other men allegedly broke in and torched the council building.
He unsuccessfully applied for bail and will reappear in court in March.
Inquiries under Strike Force Komiatum continue.
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