POLICE feared one of the men allegedly involved in car thefts, armed robbery and a terrifying cross-border chase had been armed with a shotgun and pistol.
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Wodonga Magistrate’s Court on Thursday heard police intelligence suggested Raymond Williams had been in possession of the guns prior to the series of incidents on March 31.
While a shotgun was not found, police later found a silver imitation handgun stashed in long grass and a double-edged knife, meat cleaver, police scanner and stolen phone in a dumped Toyota Yaris.
The crime spree came to an end at gunpoint on the Lincoln Causeway as a second vehicle stolen at knifepoint crashed, with four cars written off in the incident.
Police allege Williams and co-accused Dean Honeysett had refused to get out of the stolen utility as police converged on the vehicle with their guns drawn.
They had yelled at the duo not to move and Williams refused to unlock the door.
As a result, police smashed the window with a baton and removed the pair, who continued to struggle.
Police facts note the incident started when Williams allegedly held the Albury owner of the Yaris against his will and bashed him over several days and forced him to withdraw cash.
The car was stolen and came to police attention in Wodonga about 2.50am on March 31 and in Albury about five hours later.
It sped back into Wodonga, went back to Albury, then sped on the Bandiana Link Road into Wodonga.
The vehicle was dumped in bushes at the back of businesses near Thomas Mitchell Drive.
Williams allegedly held-up a man from a nearby company with a knife, pointing the tip into his chest several times, before taking the utility and speeding off with two others.
A witness told the court he had jumped out of the way of the vehicle as it sped off.
An alleged attempt to break into a Fern Avenue house containing a man and his young son a short time later failed.
The vehicle sped towards Wahgunyah as Williams allegedly threw items from the utility at a following police vehicle.
The car crossed into Corowa and headed towards Howlong.
Several pursuits were initiated by NSW police.
Road spikes managed to puncture and slowly deflate two tyres as the utility headed back towards Albury.
The chase was called off on Padman Drive in Albury but the offenders were seen heading south on Wodonga Place towards Wodonga a short time later.
Sparks flew from the utility's rims on the Causeway before Honeysett lost control and smashed into a Toyota HiLux stopped at traffic lights.
Police allegedly found several capped syringes on Williams after his arrest and found he was visibility affected by drugs. Both men were intoxicated and aggressive while in custody.
The court heard arguments about Honeysett's involvement in the armed robbery conducted by Williams and whether there was an agreement between the pair.
Both men will front the County Court.