Police have labelled a routine traffic stop resulting in the arrest of a Dunedin man as "disturbing", after he was allegedly found with two sawn-off rifles, some cannabis, and his 3-year-old son.
Police pulled over the man's 1993 Holden Commodore in Riselaw Rd, Corstorphine, at 10.20pm, and were alerted he was facing charges involving possession of offensive weapon.
On approaching the vehicle, the two constables reported the man appeared to be drunk, which was a concern considering his 3-year-old son was restrained in a car seat next to him, Acting Senior Sergeant Chris McLellan, of Dunedin, said.
A struggle between the 29-year-old man and the constables ensued and he was handcuffed and arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
The man later recorded a breath-alcohol level of 495mcg.
In a search of the vehicle, a pipe, a small amount of cannabis and, on the back seat under a blanket, two sawn-off .22 rifles were found, Acting Snr Sgt McLellan said.
One of the firearms had two live rounds in the magazine.
The guns were secured and placed inside the police car.
Although the man was the registered owner of the firearms, he no longer had a valid firearms licence.
The case was "particularly disturbing", Acting Snr Sgt McLellan said.
"The fact is, he is looking after a child, was intoxicated and in possession of firearms, one of which is loaded.
The matter will be treated seriously before the courts."
It was unclear why the man had loaded firearms in the vehicle, he said.
The man is not known to have any gang connections.
The infant was returned to his mother, who has separated from the man, and agencies including Child, Youth and Family were involved, Acting Snr Sgt McLellan said.
The man appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday on two charges of resisting police, possessing cannabis, possessing a utensil, unlawfully possessing two firearms, intoxicated in charge of firearms and driving with excess breath-alcohol.
He was remanded in custody to reappear today.
