Two men will face court and another is under police guard in hospital, following a shooting, a break-in and the arrest of one of the trio after he allegedly tried to swim his way to freedom off the NSW coast.
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The drama unfolded after officers were called to a house at Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle, after reports of shots fired on Friday evening.
A 49-year-old man inside suffered a graze to his wrist but didn't need treatment while a woman also at the home wasn't injured.
Police were told an Audi hatchback was seen leaving the scene and soon after learned of an attempted break-in at a club at nearby Redhead involving a car matching the description.
Three men were spotted leaving the scene in the car.
One of them, aged 21, allegedly suffered a serious leg injury while forcing entry to the premises and was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he was arrested and remains under guard in a stable condition.
About 9.50pm, PolAir located the hatchback about six kilometres away at Windale.
Police will allege the driver failed to stop and a pursuit began during which the Audi slammed into a gutter in Dixon Park.
Two men jumped out and ran, with the 18-year-old driver diving into the ocean and trying to swim away from police.
Thinking better of the situation, he allegedly returned to shore shortly after and was taken into custody.
During a search, police say they found ammunition and a firearm in a door compartment of the car.
The 19-year-old passenger who also set off from the crashed vehicle was tracked by the dog squad to a home in Merewether.
It will be alleged officers found ammunition on him and a second firearm in the backyard of the property.
Police say the hatchback was stolen on May 1.
The two men have been charged with a series of firearm, driving, theft and trespassing offences.
They were refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Saturday.
Australian Associated Press
