Coledale gun fire turns out to be fireworks… Man arrested after stand-off

A MAN has been arrested after a stand-off with police at a Coledale this morning.

Wollongong police were called to a home on Buttenshaw Drive just after 9am after reports that several gunshots had been heard.

Police attended and were assisted by specialist officers from the NSWPF Aviation Support Branch, Negotiation Unit and Tactical Operations Unit.

A perimeter was established, with the 40-year-old man inside the home with his elderly mother. It will be alleged by police that whilst he was in the home, he threw fireworks onto the front lawn before retreating inside.

The man was arrested about 11.20am, and taken Wollongong Police Station without further incident. Following his arrest, it was determined the man had been letting off fireworks and no shots had been fired. His mother was removed from the home and will be cared for by relatives.

Two dogs were also removed from the home and taken to Wollongong Council Pound to be put down. A neighbour on the street said the situation was sparked after the man refused to allow authorities to come onto his property to talk about two aggressive dogs.

It is understood the Wollongong City Council rangers had attended the property three times to pick up the dogs in question, but were allegedly refused entry by the 40-year-old man.

Speaking on the incident today, Detective Inspector Brad Ainsworth said the man had been taken into custody and was likely to be issued with criminal infringement notices.