Woman Faces Charges After Allegedly Firing Shots at Police During Northern NSW Pursuit
A 31-year-old woman has been charged following an incident where she allegedly fired shots at police officers while leading them on a high-speed pursuit in northern New South Wales. The events unfolded late on Tuesday evening, resulting in multiple serious offences being laid against the suspect.
Initial Traffic Stop and Alleged Discovery of Weapons
Police report that the incident began around 8:50 PM on Tuesday during a routine traffic stop on Mulgi Drive in South Grafton. Officers allegedly recovered a small quantity of ammunition and a knife from the woman's Mitsubishi Lancer at this time. The suspect, identified as a female learner driver, was issued a court attendance notice in connection with this initial stop.
Pursuit and Alleged Firearm Discharge
Approximately an hour later, the same woman was allegedly spotted driving the Mitsubishi at the intersection of Old Lily Pool Road and Armidale Road. Police initiated a pursuit, trailing the vehicle along Armidale Road and onto Orana Way. During this chase, it is alleged that the woman fired several shots from the moving car towards the officers.
Police further claim that she then stopped the vehicle, climbed onto the roof, and pointed a pistol at both herself and the pursuing officers. After this confrontation, she re-entered the car and continued to evade police, leading to a dramatic escalation of the situation.
Arrest and Seizure of Evidence
The pursuit concluded at a residence on Gumtree Road in Lanitza, where the woman allegedly drove through a gate. Once again, she is said to have stood on top of the car and pointed the pistol at officers and herself. According to police statements, she then jumped off the vehicle and attempted to break into the home before being apprehended by authorities.
During the arrest, officers located and seized the pistol for forensic examination, adding to the evidence collected earlier in the evening. The 31-year-old was subsequently charged with a range of offences, including driving a motor vehicle with a suspended licence, using an unregistered firearm, and discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Refusal
Following her arrest, the woman was refused bail by police and is scheduled to appear before the Bail Division Court on Wednesday. This case highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement during pursuits and the serious legal consequences for such alleged actions. The community in northern NSW is urged to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, with authorities emphasizing the importance of public safety in such incidents.
