Nicholas Teplin, 41, has been charged following multiple assaults at Sydney’s Central railway station just one day after a police gun was accidentally fired during his arrest at Sydney Airport.
On Thursday afternoon, Teplin allegedly punched a man in the face, causing a nosebleed, and struck two other men in the head as he moved through the station. Police arrested him as he attempted to grab another man’s bag and say he pushed a police officer in custody.
The incident follows an altercation at Sydney Airport’s T2 domestic terminal, where Teplin displayed suspicious behavior. During the arrest by Australian Federal Police, an officer’s firearm discharged accidentally, with the bullet lodging in a nearby cafe’s oven. Details of the discharge remain under investigation.
Teplin has been previously noted for disruptive behavior at the airport. Although prosecutors questioned the presence of mental illness, a magistrate has ordered a mental health assessment due to Teplin’s unusual behavior and past PTSD treatment.
He remains in custody pending psychiatric evaluation and will return to court in September. Charges include assault, resisting a federal official, and causing a disturbance at the airport.
