Romeo Le Thorn, 36, charged with posing as defence force officer

A 36-year-old who was allegedly discovered with fake defence force uniforms, medals and weapons was capsicum sprayed during his arrest in Northern NSW.

A Northern Rivers man charged with impersonating an Australian Defence Force officer has been remanded in custody.

Murwillumbah man Romeo Le Thorn made no application for bail when his matter went briefly before Lismore Local Court briefly on Thursday.

The 36-year-old was arrested in the Tweed Valley following extensive investigations by police.

Police said capsicum spray was deployed during his arrest on Wednesday morning.

Police will allege they stopped the vehicle Mr Le Thorn was travelling in at Stokers Siding about 11.25am and attempted to arrest him.

He allegedly became aggressive toward police and a struggle ensued, during which officers deployed capsicum spray, before he was arrested.

During a search of the vehicle, police allege they located a handgun and a large knife.

These items, along with a mobile phone, were seized for forensic examination.

Tweed Byron Police District officers began investigating alleged property offences in Suffolk Park and Banora Point in December 2021.

They will allege they uncovered further offences in relation to the alleged possession and wearing of Australian Defence Force uniforms and service medals during their investigations.

After his arrest, Mr Le Thorn was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged two counts of stealing property in a house, possessing unregistered firearms, falsely representing to be a returned soldier, sailor or airman, driving a motor vehicle during disqualification period, resisting an officer in the execution of their duty, two counts of having suspected stolen property and being in custody of a knife in a public place.

Mr Le Thorn is due to face Lismore Local Court again on Monday, January 10.