Albany teenager charged over alleged suburban gun scare

An Albany teenager was arrested after allegedly pointing a rifle at people during a frightening incident on a street in Lockyer on Monday night. Members of the public called police to McKeown Avenue about 7pm after the man allegedly pulled out a modified long-arm rifle and starting pointing it at others. Police rushed to the area and arrested Damien Lyndon Woods, 18, a short time later at a nearby home. Mr Woods was not in possession of the weapon when he was arrested but police allege the firearm was seized at a nearby property. He was charged and initially refused bail on Monday night. The teenager faced Albany Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday charged with being armed to cause fear and possessing an unlicensed firearm. He was granted bail and is due to appear in court again on March 18. Albany Det-Sgt Vaughan Mackay described it as “very serious”. “Anything involving a firearm is a very serious matter,” Det-Sgt Mackay said. “There was a disturbance on the street. As a result of that, the accused offender has produced a firearm and committed the act. “It was not discharged and no one was injured. “Community safety is paramount and we thank members of the public that assisted police in getting a swift resolution of the matter.” Det-Sgt Mackay said police urged the public to come forward with any information about firearms. “This incident is an example of the public coming forward with information,” he said. “If people see any unlawful possession of firearms, come forward. “We want to remove these dangerous weapons from our streets and keep the community safe.”