Man and woman arrested over Lancefield firearms incident

A man and a woman have been arrested and charged by police over Tuesday’s firearms incident which sent Lancefield’s main street into lockdown.

A 37-year-old female resident of the house was arrested in Lancefield late that evening before a 28-year-old male resident was arrested in Kyneton early on Wednesday morning.

Police were called to a High Street property about 9am on Tuesday following reports of a man inside with a firearm.

Local police and the Critical Incident Response Team circled the house, closing High Street between McMasters Lane and Park Street. Nearby, Lancefield Primary School went into lockdown as helicopters circled overhead.

The incident is believed to have followed a dispute between housemates.

Police entered and searched the property about 1.20pm but found no one inside.

Detective sergeant Stephen Cole said the male and female who have been charged had fought with a third male housemate between 8 and 9am on Tuesday morning.

Police will allege a shotgun was fired twice, with one bullet going through the house’s back door.

The detective said the victim fled the house without injury at the time of the argument. The two offenders had also left the property before police arrived at the scene.

The male offender has been remanded to appear in Bendigo Magistrates court on March 9. He has been charged with a number of offences, including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, causing criminal damage, firearm offences and breaches of bail.

The female has been bailed to go before Castlemaine Magistrates court on March 19. Her charges include reckless conduct endangering serious injury and assault with a weapon.