Man to appear in court after alleged Whangārei shooting

A 24-year-old Kaipara man is due to appear in Manukau District Court on Wednesday following an alleged shooting in Whangārei. The incident occurred just before 2am on Sunday in a Vine Street car park in the city's CBD. Police say an armed individual stepped out of a vehicle and presented a firearm towards a group of people before discharging it several times and fleeing in the vehicle. No one was injured in the incident.

The arrest occurred on Tuesday night at a property on President Avenue in Papakura. Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Crawford stated that police received information that a person of interest was in the area just before 7pm. The man was taken into custody without incident by Counties Manukau police and the Armed Offenders Squad.

The man has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Detective Senior Sergeant Crawford described the event as an isolated incident following a dispute. He stated, “We will not tolerate reckless violence such as this in our community, and it’s pleasing that we’ve been able to make an arrest in this case”.

Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are seeking witnesses. Witnesses are asked to contact police on 105 regarding the incident on Vine Street.

How it developed

• Wed 21 Oct, 2:11pmPolice stated the individual stepped out of a vehicle to present the firearm before firing several shots and fleeing in the vehicle.

Where reports differ

• One witness reported the gunman wore a tactical vest and that at least five shots were fired, while another report stated the individual stepped out of a vehicle and fired several times

Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, NZ Herald and RNZ.