Three men visiting Warrnambool got the fright of their life when they had a double barrelled shotgun pointed at them.
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Sergeant James van Engelen, of Warrnambool police, said the three Melbourne men were in a vehicle in the carpark behind the Seanchai about 3.30am on Saturday morning.
"They were approached by another car, words were exchanged and the driver of the other vehicle produced a double barrel shotgun," Sergeant van Engelen said.
"He pointed it at the victims, who drove off."
A short chase through the city's CBD ensued, Sergeant van Engelen said.
The three men were able to evade the man with the gun and reported the frightening incident to police.
"It was not a good impression of Warrnambool for the visitors," Sergeant van Engelen said.
He said police were contacted by a witness who saw the incident occur.
The witness was able to provide a description and police used CCTV footage to identify the man.
Sergeant van Engelen said the incident was "totally unprovoked". He said a 46-year-old Warrnambool man had been charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, threats to kill and a number of firearm offences, including possessing a firearm in a public place.
"It turns out the gun wasn't loaded, but it was pretty terrifying for the victims," Sergeant van Engelen said.
The man was released on bail and will appear in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on October 21.
In Victoria, the maximum penalty for carrying a firearm in a public place is 12 months imprisonment.
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