Tactical dog units called as 63yo ‘peppered’ neighbourhood
A NSW man has been arrested following a three-hour standoff which saw at least twenty bullets discharged on Saturday night.
A 63-year-old man who allegedly “peppered” a police car with bullets and shot up several homes has been arrested after a three-hour stand-off with tactical police in northern NSW.
The man’s alleged rampage drew officers from several tactical units including Queensland PolAir, Police Rescue, Tactical Operation Regional Response, the dog units and negotiators to a home on Rayward Road, north of Lismore, about 100km south of the Queensland-NSW border.
The Australian understands the altercation began about 9pm on Saturday when officers from Richmond Police District were called to a home following reports of gun fire.
While travelling to the scene police received reports that two more homes were shot at, one on Rayward Road and another home on connecting Duncan Road.
Police said residents of the properties were home at the time but were uninjured.
Officers investigating the incidents “heard more shots fired in the area” and an operation commenced with a perimeter established, according to NSW police.
“A short time later, shots were fired at a police vehicle, causing significant damage,” police said.
The man allegedly peppered a police vehicle upon arrival while a constable was inside. A sergeant returned fire “in the man’s direction”.
Police said the shots caused “significant damage” to the car but the constable remained uninjured and maintained communications with other officers.
At least 18 people including 12 officers were forced into hiding at the stand-off. Other residents were instructed to stay home.
“More than 20 shots were allegedly fired, with 12 police officers and six local residents taking refuge in a nearby home and other residents instructed to remain in their homes,” a police statement said.
The man was eventually arrested at a property on Rayward Road about midnight. Police said they recovered a “shotgun and spent cartridges” from a home on the same street.
He was charged with four counts of fire firearm at a dwelling-house with disregard for safety, two counts of discharge firearm with intent to resist arrest, and two counts of fire firearm in or near public place.
The man was refused bail and will appear at Lismore Local Court on Monday.
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