Acura "Junior" Niuqila, 28, from Pyrmont in Sydney, was apprehended in Crown Street at 6.30pm on Wednesday.

More than 20 police converged on the South Dubbo area at 5pm, acting on intelligence from the State Crime Command Robbery Squad.

A command centre was established on the corner of Laughton Street and Margaret Crescent as Dubbo detectives, Target Action Group personnel and general duties officers were strategically positioned in surrounding streets.

A number of South Dubbo residents stood on footpaths and in front gardens to watch the police operation in progress.

Orana Local Area Command crime manager Detective Inspector Rod Blackman said information from the public proved invaluable as Niuqila allegedly entered backyards and jumped fences in an attempt to avoid apprehension.

"We had a man at large for very serious matters in Sydney,'' Detective Inspector Blackman said.

"Community members contacted police almost immediately as Niuqila moved from place to place. That timely advice allowed the police command centre to adjust the search perimeters.''

After his arrest Niuqila was taken to Dubbo Police Station where he was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in company whilst armed with a dangerous weapon; armed with intent to commit a serious indictable offence; possess unregistered pistol; and possess loaded firearm in public place.

Detectives also charged Niuqila with three counts of aggravated break, enter and steal in relation to a Mercedes AMG allegedly stolen from Paddington on July 27, a Porsche allegedly stolen from Hunters Hill on October 16 and an Audi and BMW allegedly stolen from Haberfield on October 18.

Niuqila was brought into Dubbo Local Court in handcuffs yesterday morning. 

Dressed in black shorts and a T-shirt, he sat impassively in the dock before Magistrate Andrew Eckhold.

All charges were adjourned to Central Local Court in Sydney on Monday.

There was no application for bail which was formally refused by the court.

Detectives allege Niuqila fled the scene of a dramatic confrontation with police at the University of NSW campus at Kensington, in Sydney’s east, on Monday morning.

Police chased and then rammed an Audi, believing the stolen car and its occupants were about to carry out an armed robbery.

Two men, aged 29 and 36, were arrested at the scene. One was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, firearms offences and the theft of luxury cars, including a rare $275,000 Porche.

A second man was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Police allege Niuqila and another man were seen fleeing the university campus.

Detectives are continuing inquiries to locate the fourth man, described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance and aged in his 20s.

Detective Inspector Blackman asked anyone with information on the whereabouts of the man to contact police.

“The wanted man may be armed and dangerous and should not be approached,’’ he said.

“Anyone who sees him should immediately contact triple-0.”

heather.crosby@ruralpress.com