A man will face court after he was allegedly found in possession of a loaded pistol at Rathmines today.

Just after 9am (Wednesday 23 December 2015), detectives attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were making inquiries with a man at a reserve on Overhill Road at Rathmines.

The man allegedly ran from police towards a mobile home parked on the reserve.

Officers ran after the man into the mobile home. The man allegedly produced a pistol and a short struggle took place.

The officers were able to arrest the man and secure the pistol which allegedly contained six live rounds of ammunition.

A further search of the mobile home allegedly located an additional 24 rounds of ammunition.

The 57-year-old man was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with several offences:

– Possess loaded firearm in public place;

– Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention;

– Possess unregistered firearm;

– Not keep firearm safely;

– Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority; and

– Resist officer in execution of duty.

The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 24 December 2015).