Police seized what is believed to be a replica handgun after a man allegedly pointed it at people in Belconnen on 15 September 2025. Photo: ACT Policing.
A man has been taken into custody after he was allegedly spotted walking around Belconnen pointing a replica handgun at members of the public.
Police received reports of a man walking along Chandler Street in Belconnen with a black handgun at around 8:30 am on Monday (15 September), an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
He allegedly pointed the firearm at buildings, cars and several members of the public.
Police officers arrived and arrested a 43-year-old Belconnen man, finding he was allegedly in possession of a replica handgun.
“There is no ongoing threat to the community,” a police spokesperson said
The man was charged with acting to cause public alarm and unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm. He faced the ACT Magistrates Court later on Monday.
His lawyer, Legal Aid’s Amelie McCarthy, said while court staff recommended he be taken to hospital for a mental health assessment, her client did not want such an assessment and “wishes to return to his home”.
She said he told her he had no concerns for his mental health.
But Magistrate Glenn Theakston said he would refer the man for a mental health assessment, as the alleged behaviour was bizarre and there was a clear recommendation from a psychologist that he needed immediate treatment.
The man, who is not named while the assessment is underway, will return to court at a later date.
Police want to speak with anyone who witnessed the incident around Chandler Street and Swanson Street on Monday from 8:30 am to 8:40 am.
If you have information on the incident, contact Crime Stoppers via Crime Stoppers ACT or by calling 1800 333 000. Quote P2381880.
“The public is reminded that possessing or manufacturing a firearm, including replicas and gel blasters, is illegal in the ACT and can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment,” a police spokesperson said.
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