A man will appear in court today facing a number of firearm related charges after he allegedly discharged a rifle during a dispute at Blacksmiths, near Lake Macquarie overnight.

Police will allege a 24-year-old man allegedly armed with a loaded rifle, drove to a premises on Boikon Street where he confronted a 21-year-old man.

The two men became involved in a scuffle and a round was fired from the weapon. The 21-year-old man managed to overpower the older man, and secured the firearm.

The older man ran from the premises and allegedly drove to Caves’ Beach where he was arrested in his vehicle by police.

He was subjected to a roadside breath test which provided a positive reading. He was arrested and taken to Charlestown Police Station where he is expected to be charged with a number of firearm related offences as well as drink driving and an outstanding warrant.

He will be appearing in Newcastle Local Court later today. (Tuesday 15 September 2015).

No one was hurt during this incident.

The man was taken to Charlestown Police Station where he was charged with 11 offences:

– possess loaded firearm in public place;

– possess unauthorised firearm;

– possess unregistered firearm;

– possess ammunition without holding licence/permit;

– carry firearm manner likely injure person/property;

– enter building/land with firearm;

– handle/use firearm under the influence of alcohol;

– armed with intent to commit indictable offence;

– drive motor vehicle while licence suspended;

– drive with mid-range PCA; and

– an outstanding warrant.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today. (Tuesday 15 September 2015).

No one was hurt during this incident.