Police have charged a man from Shearwater with several serious offences after being taken into custody during a targeted operation at East Devonport yesterday. 

The police operation commenced following a carjacking in Devonport and a firearm discharge in Latrobe on Sunday afternoon.  

The operation involved the dedicated efforts of highly trained officers from specialist units within Tasmania Police and culminated in the arrest of two men on Wright Street around 10am. 

A 36-year-old man from Shearwater has been charged with a range of offences including aggravated carjacking, aggravated assault, family violence offences, firearms offences, traffic offences, bail offences and illicit drug possession. He will appear before the Devonport Magistrates Court today.  

The second man taken into custody was unconditionally released.  

Detective Acting Inspector Alex Bonde of Devonport CIB said the charged man was actively avoiding police apprehension and investigators had worked tirelessly over the last two days to locate him.  

“We simply will not tolerate the violence used during the commission of these offences and will employ all the resources at our disposal to investigate and hold those responsible to account.” 

Police will also allege the charged man was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest. 

“Illicit firearms are not welcome in our community, and we’ll continue to pursue individuals who want to engage in their possession or use.”  

“Police are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians and the removal of illicit firearms is a step towards achieving that goal.”  

“We would like to extend our gratitude to community members that have already provided information during this operation.”  

“At this stage the stolen black Mazda MX5 has not been located, and we are keen to recover this for the owner.” 

Anyone with information about the offences or the location of the Mazda is asked to contact Devonport Police on 131 444 or report anonymously through www.crimestopperstas.com.au or 1800 333 000.