Protective Services Officer shot with battery-powered handgun while patrolling Highett train station
FINED for drinking a VB in public, a 22-year-old man allegedly later attacked Protective Services Officers with a battery-powered handgun.
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A 22-YEAR-OLD man accused of using a battery-powered handgun to fire gel pellets in a targeted attack on PSOs has been remanded in custody.
According to court documents, Nathan Lloyd-Gosbell verbally abused PSOs from his apartment balcony after he was fined for drinking a VB stubby in public last night.
He then went inside his Highett unit, armed himself with a battery powered handgun and opened fire.
The accused fired a significant amount of pellets at the PSOs and as a result, an officer was struck to his left temple.
After hitting the officer, Mr Llyod-Gosbell continued to shoot pellets and shout abuse at the PSOs before Victoria Police Critical Response unit were called in.
The Highett man surrendered to police inside the lobby of his apartment building on Graham Rd just after 1.30am.
The handgun is capable of rapid, semi automatic fire and has a range of approximately 50 metres, court documents state.
Mr Lloyd-Gosbell faced Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court today but did not apply for bail. He has been remanded in custody and will face Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on October 25.
He has been charged with firearms offences, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and assaulting police.
He stated he shot at the PSOs because he was “angry with the world”, court documents stated.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt described the accused actions as a “disgrace” which “will not be tolerated”.
“It’s a disgusting targeted attack on authorities and no police or PSO should ever be assaulted while on duty,” he said.
“There needs to be a zero tolerance and an offence like this should get the maximum sentence.”
Outside court this afternoon, a family member, who wished to remain anonymous, said his actions were “out of character”.
“He’s a good kid and has a heart of gold,” she said.
“This doesn’t sound like him at all, I just want people to know this isn’t who he is or how the news is describing him.”
The family member, who was in court to support the accused, said she hoped the public “doesn’t judge too quickly”.
“All I know is this isn’t the kid I’ve raised with his mum and I know he wouldn’t hurt anyone.”