THE hunt for Armidale's most wanted man is over after officers cornered their target in a house on Thursday morning.
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Kenneth Campbell was captured in Marsh Street in Armidale just before 9am, ending a week-long manhunt.
Campbell is accused of armed robberies on a handful of hotels and businesses in Armidale in recent weeks.
Police had suspected Campbell had been hiding, moving to a new place daily to avoid being captured.
An arrest warrant was issued last week, and on Thursday police moved in. Highway patrol, detectives, uniformed police and the Target Action Group swooped, arresting the 25-year-old without incident.
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A machete, mobiles and other goods police will allege were connected to the crimes were also seized.
Campbell's now facing armed robbery charges for hold-ups on the Powerhouse Hotel on January 9; the Wicklow Hotel before Christmas; the Whitebull Hotel last week; the BP service station on January 4; the robberies of two women last week; and a break-in at the golf club.
He was denied bail on Thursday to front court.
"These were incredibly serious and dangerous robberies on Armidale businesses," Detective Acting Inspector Matt Crotty said.
"It was by sheer luck that no one was injured during any of these incidents.
"There has been community alarm surrounding the multitude of offences, but now we have three people in custody.
"Police had used every resource available in these investigations, and three offenders have been arrested and charged and are all before the courts."
Detectives allege Campbell was the ringleader in the crime spree. Co-accused Jordan Waters and Bruce Walker are behind bars on several charges.
Walker was captured in a police chase on foot near the car park of the Powerhouse on January 9 after the stolen getaway car allegedly crashed into a police car. Waters was tracked to a unit in Brewery Lane.
Detectives allege the trio stole the key to a Ford during a break-in to an Armidale home on January 3; then returned five days later to steal the car, which was used in a hit on the golf club.
They allegedly smashed their way into the club, ransacked it, stole the till, then fled and crashed the getaway car. They are then accused of threatening a woman in an Allingham Street home and stealing a Subaru.
A tomahawk was used to rob a woman of her handbag in the street before the hold-up at the Powerhouse.
Walker and Waters are not charged with the other robbery incidents that are under investigation by Strike Force Fryer.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
