Townsville police in standoff with man after he claimed to have gun, bulletproof vest

Police were forced to cordon off an area in Hermit Park after a man they were arresting allegedly said he had a gun and bulletproof vest. Find out what happened.

Townsville police cordoned off part of Hermit Park after they were threatened by a man claiming to have a gun and bulletproof vest. (FILE PHOTO) Photo: QPS.

Townsville police were forced to cordon off part of Hermit Park in the early hours of Monday after a man they were arresting allegedly told them he had a gun and a bulletproof vest.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed they had charged a 40-year-old man with several serious assault, drugs, and weapons offences after he allegedly attacked police at a Hermit Park property.

“At 1.30am (on Monday) officers entered the Soule St property to arrest the man on outstanding warrants,” the spokeswoman said.

“It will be alleged, the man claimed he had a gun and was wearing a bulletproof vest.

“Police cordoned off the area and negotiators were called. The man surrendered to police at 4.50am.”

It will be alleged that the man became aggressive and assaulted officers as they tried to arrest him.

“Police alleged they later found a replica gun, other weapons, drugs and used syringes, which the man had allegedly tried to hide on his body,” she said.

“He has been charged with eight offences including five counts of serious assault of a police officer whilst pretending or armed with a weapon and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, failing to properly dispose of needle and syringe and unlawful possession of weapons.”

He remains in custody and investigations are continuing.

Originally published as Townsville police in standoff with man after he claimed to have gun, bulletproof vest