Two men will face court tomorrow charged after shots were fired at police during a pursuit in the state’s north.
Officers from Oxley Police District were patrolling the Tamworth area, when a Ford Territory was seen leaving a fast food restaurant on Marius Street about 2.45am (Saturday 15 May 2021).
The Ford was seen to travel on the New England Highway and officers attempted to stop the vehicle.
The Ford failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated, travelling through the suburbs of Calala, Nemingha, Kootingal, and Tamworth.
During the pursuit, the passenger was seen to lean out the window, and allegedly pointed a firearm at police.
Road spikes were deployed, and the Ford crashed through the fence of a golf course on Duri Road about 3.30am.
The occupants ran off and following a foot pursuit, two men – aged 28 and 22 – were arrested.
During a search of the Ford, police located a shortened firearm next to the front passenger seat and the older man was found in possession of ammunition.
Examination of an unmarked police vehicle involved in the pursuit found bullet marks in the bonnet and front bumper.
The men were taken to Tamworth Police Station.
The older man was charged with discharge firearm with intent to resist arrest, three counts of possess shortened firearm without authority, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, custody of knife in public place and an outstanding revocation of parole warrant.
The younger man was charged with discharge firearm with intent to resist arrest, three counts of possess shortened firearm without authority, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, custody of knife in public place, three counts of acquire firearm subject to prohibition order and acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Tamworth Bail Court tomorrow (Sunday 16 May 2021).
