A MAN from Yeovil has been named after being charged over an incident involving a firearm in Somerset.
William Martin, 38, is facing one count of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and a second count of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
On Monday, March 23, Martin was arrested after officers were called to Rosebery Avenue at 1:51pm to a report that a member of the public was carrying a suspected handgun.
READ MORE: Yeovil - Man arrested for carrying suspected firearm
READ MORE: Armed police respond to incident near canal in Taunton
Armed police were deployed to ensure the public was protected and that any potential firearms could be recovered.
Officers said that while attempting to engage with a man in Monmouth Road, a short while later, a firearm was discharged by an officer. There were no injuries reported.
Yeovil man named following firearm incident in street
Martin, who lives in Yeovil, has been remanded in custody ahead of a scheduled hearing at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, March 25).
A second person, who lives outside the Avon and Somerset area, was also arrested in connection with the police investigation. They have been released on conditional bail.
Speaking on the day of the arrest, Neighbourhood chief inspector Joe Piscina said: “I know this incident may be worrying to many, but I’d like to reiterate that this incident has been safely resolved without anyone suffering any injury.
"Armed officers are trained to the highest standards and take on significant responsibilities in high-pressure environments.
“It is very rare that they would need to discharge their firearms, and any incident in which they have to is treated incredibly seriously.
“We are also ensuring welfare support is available for anyone who might need it."
Neighbourhood officers stepped up patrols for the next few hours after the incident.
Share