The encounter involved a gun, assault and being chased on regional roads for 30–40 kilometres.

About 2.30pm on October 21, four men aged 18–30 were allegedly trespassing and illegally hunting on numerous properties in the Maude area.

They were confronted by the property manager who saw an unknown vehicle with dogs on one of the rural properties.

One of the men assaulted the property manager while another man produced a firearm, resulting in the property owner leaving the area.

During the ordeal, two other nearby property managers arrived and tried to take photos of the vehicle containing the four men.

It was a Victorian registered, white-coloured Toyota HiLux Dual Cab.

The men turned their HiLux around and began to pursue the two managers, attempting to run them off the road.

Police were contacted and arrived shortly after.

The HiLux was stopped on Nap Nap Road, Maude, and police spoke to the occupants.

The four men were arrested and taken to the Hay Police Station where they were charged with numerous offences.

The 18-year-old male from Glenroy, Victoria has been charged with: entering inclosed lands, possessing an unregistered firearm, and possessing a prohibited drug (cannabis).

The 24-year-old male from Jacana, Victoria has been charged with: entering inclosed lands, drive in a manner dangerous, and assault.

The 26-year-old male from Coolaroo, Victoria and the 30-year-old male from Airport West, Victoria have both been charged with entering inclosed lands.

All men have been given conditional bails to appear at the Hay Local Court on November 19, 2018.

The arresting police were officers from Hay, Balranald and Griffith.

In a statement, NSW Police said: “The Rural Crime Prevention Team are providing assistance and further charges are expected to be preferred in relation to this investigation”.

“This is a great example of local police highlighting their capability in disrupting and engaging with rural crime offenders,” the statement reads.

“The timely notification of this crime by members of the Maude community and resulted in a positive outcome.”

If anyone has further information about this incident, they are urged to contact Hay Police Station on 6993 1100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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