A SHORTENED firearm has been seized and a man is behind bars accused of a frightening altercation in broad daylight in Armidale.
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Brodie McKinnon allegedly armed himself with a loaded, shortened
.22 calibre gun and confronted a
36-year-old Armidale local at his car in Brown St on Tuesday afternoon.
The alleged incident unfolded about 4.30pm but the victim sped away from the scene seconds later before the confrontation escalated.
The incident sparked an investigation before officers from the New England Target Action Group and detectives swarmed a See Avenue home about 9.30pm on Tuesday, arresting 19-year-old McKinnon.
Police will allege in court McKinnon was in possession of a shortened firearm at the time, the same weapon used in the afternoon attack.
Detectives are now awaiting the results of specialist ballistic tests which will determine if it was the same gun used in the alleged shooting of a local man in Armidale in December.
“The shooting incident that took place in December was extremely disturbing. It’s not something we see in Armidale,” Inspector Roger Best told The Leader.
“Significant resources were directed to that investigation and it was pleasing to see an offender arrested soon after the offence.”
Strike Force Porthole was set up in the wake of the alleged shooting and 20-year-old Jake Carter remains in custody, charged in connection with the incident.
“However, the fact the firearm remained outstanding was worrying to us,” Inspector Best said.
“(Tuesday’s) arrest was pleasing to see along with the seizure of an illegal firearm.”
McKinnon was questioned by detectives before he was charged with four offences including possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, endangering life, intimidation and using a weapon in company with intent.
In an out-of-sessions bail hearing in Armidale Local Court yesterday, McKinnon was also charged with stealing a motor vehicle, driving in a speed or manner dangerous and unlicensed driving from an unrelated offence in Armidale.
He made no application for bail and it was formally refused.
New England Superintendent Fred Trench has praised the work of TAG officers and detectives which culminated in the second arrest.
“Firearm offences in Armidale are indeed rare, if and when they do occur I will ensure every effort is made to bring those responsible before the Courts,” he said yesterday.
“It is very pleasing to see that in these two cases the offenders have been swiftly arrested and charged.”
