A man has been charged with break, enter and steal and firearms offences in the state's Hunter region.
Police have been told a 44-year-old man entered the front yard of a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland, and threatened an occupant about 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday 7 July 2019).
He left the premises and later returned allegedly armed with a rifle, before being involved in a struggle with the resident.
He returned to his home and was later seen leaving on foot.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called and commenced a search but were unable to find him.
About three hours later, police were called to Redbill Drive, Woodberry, where the man allegedly forced entry to a home, threatened and assaulted a 72-year-old woman.
After a short foot pursuit the man was arrested with the assistance of the NSW Police Dog Unit at Swallow Close, Woodberry, and was taken to Maitland Police Station.
No one was injured; it's believed the man knew both the alleged victims.
Officers later executed a search warrant at a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland, where they seized a rifle.
The man was charged with aggravated enter dwelling with intent, common assault, steal property in dwelling, destroy/damage property (x2), possess unregistered firearm and not keep firearm safely.
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Monday 8 July 2019).
