Two men and a juvenile, who led police on a 25-minute, high-speed chase from Berry through Bomaderry and Nowra to Yerriyong, west of HMAS Albatross, were allegedly armed with a shortened shotgun, a replica pistol and in possession of a quantity of drugs.
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The trio appeared in Nowra Local Court on Friday before Magistrate Dr Gabriel Fleming, where they faced a string of charges. All three were refused bail.
Andrew John Macklin Zarounas, 21, of Quiberon Street, Nowra, faces 15 charges including police pursuit not stop, dangerous driving, drive recklessly/furiously at a speed manner dangerous, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, not give particulars to other driver, having goods suspected of being stolen, assault police and resist arrest, use an unauthorised pistol, two counts of possess ammunition without a permit, supply a prohibited drug an indictable quantity (not marijuana) and possess a prohibited drug.
Sam Carl Draper, 23, of Burr Avenue, Nowra faces six charges including having goods suspected of being stolen, possess an unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess an unauthorised pistol, possess and use an unauthorised weapon without a permit, supply a prohibited drug an indictable quantity (not marijuana) and possess a prohibited drug.
A 17-year-old juvenile from Worrigee faces eight charges including supply a prohibited drug an indictable quantity (not marijuana), possess a prohibited drug, possess an unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess an unauthorised pistol, possess and use an unauthorised weapon without a permit, having goods suspected of being stolen, use an offensive weapon in the capacity to prevent detention and resist arrest.
In evidence before the court police allege Macklin Zarounas, who was already on bail for a police pursuit offence, was the driver of a dark green coloured Commodore that led police on a high speed chase from Berry through Bomaderry, where he struck another motorist’s car, Nowra, South Nowra, West Nowra and eventually Yerriyong, where the pursuit ended when the vehicle suffered mechanical failure.
The court heard during the pursuit the vehicle travelled 45km/h above the signposted speed limit, crossed over unbroken lines, disregarded stop signs and at one stage a flare was thrown from the vehicle at police.
As the vehicle travelled along Braidwood Road, it was alleged a plastic bag, the size of a baseball, was thrown from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle, which was occupied by the juvenile, just south of Hell Hole Road, exploding on the roadway.
The vehicle continued for another 400-500 metres before it slowed, appearing to suffer mechanical failure, pulling into a small bush track.
Police allege Macklin Zarounas attempted to elude police, running several hundred metres into the dense bushland.
During the foot pursuit police allege a set of metal knuckledusters fell from his pocket and when finally arrested a live shotgun shell also fell from his pocket.
Police said he resisted arrest, struggling with officers, allegedly breaking one officer’s hand.
Draper, who was a back seat passenger in the vehicle, and the juvenile were arrested without incident, although the younger alleged offender refused to be handcuffed.
Police also had to extinguish a fire in the engine bay of the car.
A search of the vehicle found a shortened 410 gauge shotgun between the front seats and a metal replica automatic pistol in front of the front passenger’s seat.
A clear, crystal substance was recovered from the roadway, believed to be methamphetamine, weighing 159 grams, while a further plastic bag containing 136 grams of a similar material was also located in the front of the vehicle.
Police-issue capsicum spray and two spent shotgun cartridges were also found in the vehicle
Following the arrests, police carried out a search warrant on a Sussex Inlet address, where Macklin Zarounas allegedly had a bedroom, and found ammunition and firearm parts.
Police prosecutor Fiona Ryan opposed Macklin Zarounas’ and Draper’s applications for bail due to the seriousness of the offences, the strong likelihood of custodial sentences and because both were considered flight risks who could possibly commit further offences.
Solicitor Simone Foggo for Draper argued her client was backseat passenger and was unable to influence the actions of the driver.
Magistrate Fleming formally refused bail, with both men remanded in custody to appear in Nowra Local Court on November 11.
The juvenile, who was also facing a number of serious break and enter charges from September 2012 to July this year at locations including Kiama, Bomaderry, North Nowra, Nowra and Old Erowal Bay, did not apply for bail.
He was remanded in custody to appear in Nowra Children’s Court on October 9.