Police said they responded at about 8pm on December 31 to reports of a man walking along Heath Street, Bega, in camouflage clothing.

He was also said to be wearing a thigh holster with what was believed to be a holstered pistol.

Police said two officers drove into the street in a fully marked police car, and the man allegedly drew the firearm from the holster and pointed it at the officers.

“The officers took evasive action and drove into a nearby street,” a police spokesperson said.

“Another fully marked police car drove upon the man, who again allegedly pointed the firearm at the windscreen of the car.

“These officers reversed away from the man.

“The four officers then exited their vehicles and approached the man and directed the man to drop the firearm, which he did.

“A search of the man located a replica Glock pistol, a 20cm Ghurka fighting knife and a concealed knife.”

The 29-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bega Police Station and charged with four counts of assaulting police, two counts of custody of a knife in public place, possessing an unauthorised pistol and being armed with intent to commit indictable offence.

The man was refused bail to appear at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, January 1.

Far South Coast Duty Officer, Inspector Anthony Moodie said: “If not for the training and professionalism of attending police, there could have been dire consequences in this incident.”