Geraldton Detectives lay charges following stolen hand gun at shooting competition at Wonthella gun club

A 60-year-old Geraldton man is accused of stealing a handgun during a shooting competition in Wonthella last weekend. Detectives say about 4pm on Saturday the accused man was helping to clean the range at the Geraldton Small Bore Rifle Club when he allegedly stolen a Smith and Weston .22 revolver, 100 rounds of .22 ammunition and a storage bag from a bench at the rear of the range. The pistol belonged to a competition participant from Perth. Police allege the accused thief is a member of the club. “The accused placed the firearm and ammunition into his vehicle and took the firearm to his home,” Det. Sen. Sgt Bruce McDonald said. Police recovered the handgun from a Waggrakine property on Monday. The 60-year-old has been charged with stealing a firearm and he will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on October 12. Detectives thanked everyone who shared the appeal for information and reminded the community they can report information to Crime Stoppers and may remain anonymous.