Two men are due to appear in court today and two replica handguns have been seized after shoppers were allegedly threatened a Mt Druitt shopping centre yesterday
Officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command were called to the centre on Carlisle Avenue about 4.15pm yesterday (Monday 7 August 2023), initially responding to reports of a fight.
On arrival, police were told two women had been fighting before a man intervened, allegedly striking one of the women in the head then pointing what appeared to be a handgun at her.
The man left the scene but was arrested by police a short time later nearby. Police allege when the 20-year-old man was searched a replica handgun was found in his possession.
The man, from Wilmott, was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged with seven offences,
• Armed with intent to commit indictable offence
• Enter building with firearm or imitation firearm
• Possess unauthorised pistol in public place
• Acquire firearm without permit
• Carry firearm in a manner likely to injure
• Not keep firearm safe, and
• Possess prohibited drug
Following inquiries, a second man, also aged 20 but from Ropes Crossing, was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station. A home in Ropes Crossing was searched where a second replica handgun was located in a bedroom. The man has now been charged with four offences,
• Supply unregistered firearm
• Possess unregistered firearm
• Not keep firearm safe, and
• Possess prohibited drug.
Both men have been refused bail to appear in Mt Druitt Local Court later today (Tuesday 8 August 2023).