A John Hughes man has been charged after allegedly threatening an employee with what appeared to be a firearm during a dispute on Independence Drive.

Police said Kemorley Pemberton has been charged with Possession of an Imitation Firearm in connection with the incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning.

According to police, officers responded to a report at Little Canton at approximately 8:50 a.m., where Pemberton allegedly threatened an employee with what appeared to be a firearm following a dispute between the two men.

Police later located Pemberton inside an abandoned building on Bird Road.

A search of the premises reportedly led to the discovery of an imitation firearm. Pemberton was taken into custody and subsequently charged.

Police are reminding the public that under Section 13(1) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2024, it is an offence to use or attempt to use a firearm or imitation firearm in furtherance of an offence.

Anyone convicted on indictment of the offence could face up to 20 years in prison.