TORONTO: Social Media Gunfire Video Leads to Hunter Pair’s Arrest at Dawn

UPDATE: Charges have been laid, details at end of this article.

newy.com.au – A man and a woman have been taken into custody after a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing a firearm being discharged from a moving vehicle in Lake Macquarie. The footage, believed to have been filmed on the main street of Toronto, depicts a man driving while firing a gun out of the driver’s side window on two separate occasions. In one clip, the man is heard saying, “Oop. My ears are ringing. I think I’m deaf,” moments after a shot is fired, prompting alarm across local online communities.

Authorities were alerted on the night of Sunday, 4 May 2025, when a concerned member of the public reported the video to police. Within hours, investigators had identified a suspect vehicle, a white Mazda CX-5, and commenced covert surveillance. Just after 2:30 am on Monday, 5 May, officers spotted the vehicle parked on Burley Street in Tenambit, east of Maitland, where they allegedly witnessed a single shot fired into the air. With assistance from the police air unit, PolAir, the vehicle was tracked to a property on Coal Point Road in Coal Point.

A specialist Tactical Operations Unit was deployed to the address, where a perimeter was established as officers prepared for an arrest. At approximately 5:15 am, neighbours were woken by the sound of Polair and the sight of police surrounding the home. A 27-year-old man emerged from the house and surrendered to police without incident. Inside, a 22-year-old woman was also taken into custody. Both were transported to Toronto Police Station for questioning as detectives continued to piece together the sequence of events.

During a subsequent search of the area, police recovered a shortened shotgun believed to match the weapon seen in the video. The firearm was seized as evidence and sent for forensic examination to confirm whether it was the same gun discharged during the drive-by incident. The white Mazda CX-5 was also towed from the property for analysis. No injuries or property damage were reported from the gunfire, and police said no emergency calls had been made at the time of the incidents.

Local residents told Jane Goldsmith from NBN News that the arrested man was quiet and friendly, living at the Coal Point address with his mother. They said police conducted a thorough search of the area following the arrest. No eyewitness reports of the gunfire have yet emerged, and detectives are appealing for anyone with CCTV footage or further information to come forward.

Police said the incident would be treated with the utmost seriousness, condemning it as “an incredibly dangerous offence.” Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart emphasised that this was not a joke or prank, calling the actions “most definitely not a giggle.” He also commented on the role of social media, describing it as a “double-edged sword” that, while sometimes used to flaunt illegal acts, can also provide critical evidence, as it did in this case. The public tip-off, he noted, was vital in enabling a fast and coordinated police response.

As of 5 May, no charges had been formally laid, but police confirmed that multiple firearm-related offences were being considered. Both individuals remained in custody while investigators continued to gather evidence. The video has sparked outrage online, with one viewer sarcastically noting the gunman had essentially filmed his own arrest warrant. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley urged the public to report crimes directly to police or crimestopppers, warning that social media uploads are no substitute for official reporting.

Update at 3:01pm – Charges Laid – Official Police Statement Below

A man and woman will face court today following an investigation into shots allegedly fired from a vehicle in the Maitland and Lake Macquarie areas.

About 4pm yesterday (Sunday 4 May 2025), a firearm was allegedly discharged from a moving vehicle at Toronto.

The firearm was allegedly discharged from the vehicle again about 9.35pm last night in Tenambit.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were subsequently notified and commenced an investigation into the incidents.

About 2.35am today (Monday 5 May 2025), officers were making inquiries into a vehicle on Burley Street, Tenambit, when a man allegedly fired a shot into the air from the parked vehicle.

With the assistance of PolAir, the vehicle was followed to a home on Coal Point Road, Coal Point.

Local police – supported by officers from the Tactical Operations Unit – arrested a 26-year-old man at the home about 5.15am.

A 22-year-old woman was also arrested at the home, and both were taken to Toronto Police Station.

During a subsequent search of the home and property, officers allegedly located and seized a firearm, ammunition, and a replica pistol.

Inquiries established that the man was disqualified from driving in NSW and was subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order.

It will also be alleged that man did not have permission from the owner to drive the vehicle.

The man was charged with 11 offences:

• Fire firearm in or near public place (three counts),
• Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner,
• Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm,
• Possess unauthorised pistol,
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority,
• Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order,
• Acquire etc ammunition subject to prohibition order,
• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous.

The woman was charged with conceal serious indictable offence (10yrs max) of other, and goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen (motor vehicle).

Both were refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court today (Monday 5 May 2025).

There are no reports of any person being injured or any property being damaged.

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