By Molly Magennis
Police have arrested a man and woman after a loaded firearm was discovered in an allegedly stolen car in Maribyrnong overnight.
Westgate Highway Patrol officers first spotted the Nissan Navara travelling at a fast speed on the Princes Freeway in Werribee, near Forsyth Road, about 11.30pm.
A check of the vehicle showed that it was using false plates, police said.
The driver and his female passenger dumped the vehicle in Pipemakers Park, Maribyrnong, and walked off, however officers on the ground arrested the pair without incident, a Victoria Police statement said.
After searching the vehicle, police uncovered the allegedly stolen firearm.
A 30-year-old Kensington man has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm, dangerous driving while being pursued by police and driving while disqualified.
He has been held over to appear before Werribee Magistrates Court this morning.
The 22-year-old woman remains in custody and is expected to be interviewed this morning.
The Navara is alleged to have been stolen from an address in Footscray last week.