A MAN has been charged with aggravated break, enter and steal offences after using a rifle to threaten two residents in one night.
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Police have been told a 44-year-old man entered the front yard of a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland about 7.30pm on Sunday.
He threatened an occupant before leaving the premises.
The man later returned allegedly armed with a rifle, before being involved in a struggle with the resident.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called and commenced a search, but were unable to find him.
About three hours later, police were called to Redbill Drive, Woodberry, where the man allegedly forced entry to a home, threatened and assaulted a 72-year-old woman.
After a short foot pursuit the man was arrested with the assistance of the NSW Police Dog Unit at Swallow Close, Woodberry, and was taken to Maitland police station.
Police believe the man knew both victims.
Officers later executed a search warrant at a home on Cecily Close, East Maitland, where they seized a rifle.
The man was charged with aggravated enter dwelling with intent, common assault, steal property in dwelling, two counts of destroy/damage property, possess unregistered firearm and not keep firearm safely.
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Monday.
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