Shortly after midnight on Saturday 14th June 2014, uniformed officers intercepted a Ford Falcon sedan in Elphin Road Newnham. A search of the vehicle and its occupants resulted in police locating a loaded .38 revolver in the possession of the driver. A front seat passenger in the vehicle had possession of two ‘speed’ loader cartridges each with 6 rounds of ammunition to fit a different type of firearm. The firearm and speed loaders are suspected to be stolen property.

The driver of the vehicle, Shannon Matthew Pursell aged 24 years, of Glenorchy, was arrested and conveyed to the Launceston Police Station where he was charged with firearms offences, unlawful possession of property and driving a motor vehicle with an illicit drug in his blood. He appeared in an out of hours session of the Launceston Magistrates Court today, where he was granted bail to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 30th June 2014.

Kristen Lee Poole aged 32 years of Hobart was also arrested for drug offences and possessing dangerous articles. During the arresting process she later assaulted a uniform male constable by spitting at him at close range directly in to his face. She was remanded in custody to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court this morning at 10am where her matter was adjourned for her to appear again at 8pm this evening in the Launceston Magistrates Court.

A 30 year old male from Mayfield was also taken in to custody but later released without charge. Investigations are continuing in relation to his involvement in firearms offences.

Launceston CIB wish to speak with any persons who may have knowledge of the origins of the firearm and speed loaders, by contacting Tasmania Police or Crimes Stoppers.