65yo man shot by pellet gun

A man in his 60s has reportedly been shot by an airgun overnight, as thieves took off after breaking into his home.

File Photo of Gel Blasters.

A man in his 60s has reportedly been shot with an airgun overnight, as thieves took off allegedly after breaking into his home.

District Duty Officer Acting Senior Sergeant Nick Boyle said police officers were called to the Garbutt home on Gordon St at 10pm Saturday.

He said the 65-year-old man disturbed two young males allegedly stealing a bicycle from his carport.

“He’s chased and one of the offenders crashed the bike in gutter and left,” Act Sen-Sgt Boyle said.

“The victim stood on the road and that’s when he’s heard a whizzing sound.

“He’s fallen down and felt something on his stomach and that’s when he’s found the pellet lodged.”

Act Sen-Sgt Boyle said although the man was uninjured by the ordeal it was a reminder that the use of replica firearms and airguns would be treated with the full force of the law.

Amendments to the Weapons Act were passed by Queensland Parliament as part of a larger Bill recently, which will make it a requirement to have a “reasonable excuse” to possess the blasters if a person is a member of an association.

Airsoft weapons, under current legislation, irrespective of muzzle velocity, cannot be lawfully possessed in Queensland.

“People who use them to threaten people or cause any distress can be prosecuted,” Sen-Sgt Boyle said.

It comes as six other break and enters were reported across Townsville overnight.

QPS is investigating.

Originally published as 65yo man shot by pellet gun