NEWS DESK
Charges over ‘assault with fake gun’ A HASTINGS police sergeant drew her gun and prepared to fire at a man who aimed what was later found to be an imitation firearm at her colleague. The dramatic confrontation, at Hastings, occurred during an alleged family violence incident which quickly escalated, 8pm, Sunday 13 December. Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Henry, of Somerville CIU, said seven police and detectives rushed to the Simon Street property after receiving triple zero calls from neighbours. He said they were met by an “aggressive” man who allegedly pointed what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle at them. Police will allege the man pulled the trigger – firing what was later found to be a gel capsule - at the leading officer. The officer called out “imitation firearm” and the sergeant – who could have assumed a real gun had been fired – holstered her weapon before a real round was fired. The man, 51, was taken to hospital suffering chest pains. He appeared at Frankston Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday) charged with family violence offences as well as assaulting police, assaulting an emergency worker, and assault with a weapon. He will likely appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a later date. Detective Henry said up to a dozen of the imitation firearms were seized from the man’s home. “These types of incidents impose incredible pressure on members who are called upon to make critical decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said. Stephen Taylor
Danger time for fires
Toys for all: Flinders MP Greg Hunt, Victoria Legislative Council member Gordon Rich-Phillips, Food for All president Brian Allen and Peninsula Aero Club president Jack Vevers oversee one of the vehicles full of donated toys. Picture: Supplied
Grounded, but toys ‘fly in’ for charity DESPITE some indifferent weather the Peninsula Aero Club Toy Run was a success with more than 550 toys collected for the charity Food for All, Sunday 6 December. Despite strong winds, low cloud and rain preventing Antique Aircraft Association aircraft fly-
ing into Tyabb for the annual toy run, there was still a good turn up of locals. “Once again we were supported by the Tyabb CFA and free sausages were offered by our social club members to visitors,” the aero club’s Ian Johnson said.
THE fire danger period on the Mornington Peninsula began on Monday (14 December) and is scheduled to end on Saturday 1 May. The CFA declares the Fire Danger Period at the onset of warmer weather to help prevent fires from starting at a time when dry vegetation and hot weather increase the incidence of fires accidentally starting and spreading. Every effort is being made to prevent an occurrence of last year’s catastrophic fires which blanketed the state and led to fire victims from as far away as Mallacoota being evacuated to HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point. During fire restrictions burning off is prohibited without a permit, including on roadsides. If a Total Fire Ban day is declared, the lighting of fires or solid fuel heaters and barbecues is illegal. The Fire Danger Rating and Total Fire Ban status for various areas are listed at cfa.vic. gov.au or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226. Mornington Peninsula Shire says it is the responsibility of residents to be aware of and comply with fire restrictions. Anyone seen lighting fires during the Declared Fire Danger Period should be reported to Victoria Police on 000. Residents are advised to listen to ABC 774 AM radio and to keep in contact with their neighbours. When travelling, they should let people know where they are and where they are going. They should prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan in advance and contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 for general advice. Check emergency.vic.gov.au for current warnings and keep a look out for smoke. Call 000 in an emergency situation. For information on what can and can’t be done during the Fire Danger Period and on Days of Total Fire Ban visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can Stephen Taylor
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Western Port News
16 December 2020
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