A man has been charged after shots were allegedly fired from a moving car in Lake Macquarie, NSW. Brandon Rogan faces multiple charges following a public tip-off about a video showing him purportedly firing a weapon from a car window. The footage, uploaded online and sent to authorities, was believed to be filmed in Toronto, about 28 kilometers from Newcastle.
Police, after receiving the tip-off, conducted surveillance on a white Mazda CX5 in Tenambit. They observed Rogan firing a gun into the air from the parked vehicle. The car was traced to a residence on Coal Point Road, where Rogan, 26, was arrested. He now faces charges including discharging a weapon in public, possessing an unauthorized gun, and driving offenses.
Rogan’s arrest also led to the charging of a 22-year-old woman found in the same house. She faces charges related to concealing a serious offense and possessing suspected stolen goods. Both accused individuals were denied bail and appeared in court, with Rogan undergoing a mental health assessment.
Residents in Toronto expressed shock at the incident, with one witness recounting hearing the alleged gunshots. Detective Ranald Urquhart from the Port Stephens and Hunter Police District condemned the actions as “incredibly dangerous” and emphasized the severity of the offense. He highlighted the role of social media in aiding law enforcement to identify offenders.
Following Rogan’s arrest, a shortened shotgun, ammunition, and a replica pistol were seized by the police. Investigations are ongoing to gather witness statements and CCTV footage of the incident. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage resulting from the alleged gunfire.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with reckless behavior and the importance of public vigilance in reporting such incidents to law enforcement promptly. While social media can sometimes be misused, as seen in this case, it can also serve as a tool for accountability and assisting authorities in maintaining public safety.
Law enforcement agencies continue to stress the gravity of firearm-related offenses and the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents. The case in Lake Macquarie underscores the critical role of community cooperation and police vigilance in ensuring public safety and upholding the law.
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