Two men accused of shooting at police helicopter during car chase

Two men accused of shooting at police helicopter from stolen car In short: Two men are due to face court today after a car chase on the Sunshine Coast in which one man allegedly fired a gun at a police helicopter. They have been charged with a total of 45 offences, including serious assault of a police officer. What's next: The pair are due to appear in court later this morning. Two men will face court today on 45 charges after a car chase on the Sunshine Coast in which police vehicles and a helicopter allegedly came under attack. Police say the alleged spree began in Childers on Wednesday when 12 firearms were stolen from a home, with two men fleeing in a ute stolen days earlier. Police found that vehicle dumped at Lake MacDonald in the Noosa hinterland, where a second vehicle was stolen soon after. At 10am on Thursday, police attempted to stop the stolen vehicle at Nambour when it was driven at officers. A 44-year-old man from West Gladstone was arrested by police after leaving the vehicle. But the other man fled, heading north to Noosa while being tracked by POLAIR and officers. Inspector John Mahony described the chase as an "extremely dangerous situation". "Police attempted to intercept the vehicle on numerous occasions [but] the vehicle continued to evade police. "A short time after the initial stolen vehicle was dumped in Noosa Springs, witnesses observed the male driver shoot at the police helicopter. "Witnesses also observed the 21-year-old male person point the firearm at a police officer inside a police vehicle. Investigations are continuing in relation to whether the 21-year-old offender actually fired at the police officer inside the vehicle." Police retreated briefly, and the suspect allegedly stole a third vehicle. "The male person was in possession of a rifle and stole the car keys from the female resident and then used the car keys to steal the vehicle," Inspector Mahony said. Police arrested a 21-year-old from Hervey Bay yesterday. "Thankfully these incidents are rare, but what is reassuring is the exceptional response from police yesterday in bringing this matter to a resolution," he said. Police allege 10 firearms were found in the vehicle at the time of the arrest. Two other firearms also stolen from the Childers property are yet to be found. "The police involved in this investigation showed great courage and bravery in resolving this incident despite the offender being armed," Inspector Mahony said. "The prompt and courageous action by police certainly prevented further harm to the local community." The 21-year-old has been charged with 30 offences including three counts of serious assault of a police officer, arson, and discharge of a weapon in a public place. The 44-year-old has been charged with 15 offences, including serious assault of a police officer, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of arson. Police have confirmed the two men are related and known to police. They remain in custody and are due to face court this morning.