A drunk Australian who allegedly shot bottles with an air rifle in a carpark will appear in the Queenstown District Court next week on firearms charges.
The 22-year-old was arrested about 1.30am today and charged with discharging a firearm with reckless disregard and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.
Senior Sergeant Paula Enoka said the man had been drinking with friends in town before the group went to his car in the Queenstown Recreation Ground carpark in Robins Rd.
There he took ''pot shots'' at empty bottles while his friends watched.
The incident was seen by a member of the public, who called police and gave the man's description.
He was arrested in the town centre a short time later.
The man was ''under the influence'' of alcohol, Sen Sgt Enoka said.
''We need to be sensible and ensure we aren't handling these dangerous weapons after consuming alcohol.
''And always be careful about your surroundings when handling firearms.''
Anyone older than 18 can own or use an air rifle without a firearms licence.
