Alleged assault on senior cop by teens at Rooty Hill train station ‘absolutely despicable’: Mayor

A chief inspector who required head stitches after allegedly being attacked by three teens at a Sydney train station has been hailed as “one of the city’s finest”.

Blacktown Police Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald was named NSW Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Picture: Supplied

A western Sydney mayor has condemned an alleged attack by three teen boys against an off-duty NSW Police chief inspector at a train station as “absolutely despicable” and has wished him a speedy recovery.

Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald, who is also councillor with Blacktown City Council, had asked the teens to stop harassing passengers and railway staff at Rooty Hill station while he was on his way to work early on Monday morning.

But police allege he was then set upon and struck repeatedly on his head with a bike seat pole.

He was taken to hospital for head injuries that required stitches and was later released.

The teens were arrested when more police arrived at the station and charged with numerous offences including affray.

Blacktown police Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald at Western Sydney University in 2019.

Blacktown City mayor Tony Bleasdale said on Tuesday the alleged attack on Chief Inspector Fitzgerald was “absolutely despicable” and involved one of the local area’s most respected members.

“Cr Fitzgerald is a pillar of our community who has earned widespread respect over many years,” Mr Bleasdale said.

“Not only is he a dedicated police officer, he is a community volunteer, and a passionate Blacktown City Councillor who has given so much to his community for so long.

“As mayor, I condemn this alleged attack on one of our city’s finest and denounce violence in all its forms.”

Mr Bleasdale said Blacktown City Council wanted to promote a culture of nonviolence through its work with NSW Police, the PCYC and a range of other organisations.

He wished Chief Inspector Fitzgerald a speedy recovery.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale (right) with Councillor and NSW Police Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald, who was elected to Council in 2021.

“Council is committed to creating a safe community for our residents to live, work and play,” he said.

“We pursue this through our crime prevention plan and work with our local police in particular.

“Council encourages residents to call out violence in any shape or form and report any acts of violence to police.

“I wish Bob a speedy recovery.”

Police said the three boys had allegedly been harassing passengers and train staff at Rooty Hill railway station about 4.30am on Monday.

Chief Inspector Fitzgerald approached the teens before informing them he was a police officer and asking them to stop.

The alleged attack took place at Rooty Hill train station in Sydney’s west on Monday morning.

Insp. Fitzgerald then arrested one of the boys, 14, with the help of a member of the public.

But the boy allegedly resisted being arrested before verballing abusing and assaulting Insp. Fitzgerald.

Police allege Insp. Fitzgerald was then struck multiple times to his head with a bike seat pole.

Other officers rushed to the railway station and the three boys were arrested.

Paramedics treated Insp. Fitzgerald before he was taken to Blacktown Hospital with head injuries.

He was treated and later released.

The member of the public who assisted Insp. Fitzgerald was also assaulted during the incident, but did not require any medical treatment.

Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald (middle) with colleagues. Picture: David Swift

The boys – aged 14, 13 and 12 – were taken to Mt Druitt police station.

The 14 year-old was charged with affray and resisting an officer in execution of duty, while the 13-year-old was charged with affray, causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer on duty reckless as to actual bodily harm and common assault

The 12-year-old was charged with affray and causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer on duty reckless as to actual bodily harm.

All three were refused bail and will reappear at a children’s court on Tuesday.

Anyone who witnessed the alleged attack is urged to come forward.

As inquiries continue police are urging anyone who may have witnessed, or has mobile phone footage, of the incident to contact Mt Druitt Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.