Police charge man after PSPA at Townsville

A man has been charged after he allegedly produced what appeared to be a firearm in Townsville this morning, forcing the lockdown of a local street.

It will be alleged witnesses reported seeing the man driving a blue Commodore along the Strand waving a firearm out of the window just after 7am.

Further reports from the public stated the man had been allegedly driving in the vehicle along Ingham Road waving the weapon at passing cars.

Specialist police immediately attended the registered address for the car on Lonerganne Street in Garbutt where the vehicle was located parked outside.

A cordon was established and an emergency declaration made under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) at 8.08am.

Negotiators attended the scene and made contact with a man who was inside the residence.

The man surrendered peacefully to police at 8.48am and was taken into custody without further incident. The PSPA was revoked a short time later.

Police conducted a search of the vehicle and residence and seized a toy gun.

A 59-year-old Garbutt man has been charged with going armed so as to cause fear and is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court tomorrow.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

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