A SECOND Tamworth man wanted over a targeted gang stabbing and robbery earlier this month has been captured after hiding from police.
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Tane Chatfield fronted the dock of Tamworth Local Court yesterday morning in handcuffs, after police stormed a West Tamworth home on Wednesday morning, where he was found hiding in a bedroom.
The 20-year-old, who yesterday only spoke to see where his partner was when brought into court, had been wanted by Oxley detectives over his alleged involvement in a violent home invasion in Petra Ave in the early hours of July 21.
Yesterday, Oxley crime manager Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy told The Leader police would allege Chatfield, along with co-accused Aaron Collins, were part of a joint criminal enterprise that robbed and stabbed a 46-year-old father, and attacked his 26-year-old son, at the home.
“They [allegedly] acted in a pack mentality,” he said.
“It wasn’t random, it was targeted, and a group of people hunting in a pack, acting in a cowardly way.
“People in Tamworth deserve to be home safe at night without these people roaming around.”
The Leader revealed Collins’ arrest earlier this week after he tried to flee officers in Coledale.
Just before 11.30am on Wednesday, the Tamworth Target Action Group (TAG) and detectives surrounded a Northview St home and arrested Chatfield before he was charged with two counts of robbery in company, including one causing grievous bodily harm, and common assault.
Detective Acting Inspector Darcy said the arrests had been a team effort between general-duties officers, TAG police, the crime management unit and Oxley detectives in following several leads.
“Every phone call to police or Crime Stoppers had to be followed up, and police have been working through them. There are still outstanding inquiries to be covered,” he said.
“It’s been a good team effort. I compliment these officers for their dedication and thoroughness in this investigation so far, and their determination to see everyone involved brought before the court.”
He warned that police were preparing to move in on those hindering their investigation, with up to six men still wanted over the gang attack in Petra Ave.
“What is disappointing is we have got a community with people willing to assist us, and then there is a group of people who do as much as they can to hinder our investigation and harbour these people,” Detective Acting Inspector Darcy said.
“And they are liable to be charged themselves.
“Police are investigating that, and we have already interviewed people for those offences.
“There are further investigations continuing into those who have harboured these people and allowed those into their homes to use drugs.”
During yesterday’s brief proceedings, Chatfield’s solicitor, Joanne Patten, said her client was not applying for bail.
“But it doesn’t mean he won’t make one on the next occasion,” she said.
Like Collins, Chatfield will remain behind bars until the case returns to court in mid-August.
