A 15-year-old youth is in Hutt Hospital after a possibly gang related drive-by shooting in residential Naenae, Lower Hutt, early yesterday evening.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Levy, Lower Hutt CIB, says the victim was shot from behind as he and a 14-year-old youth were walking near the Hewer Crescent and Meldrum Street intersection about 5pm.
The victim is conscious and in a stable condition with a projectile lodged is his back and or chest muscle. It's not known what sort of firearm was involved.
"Shooting someone for no apparent reason as they walk along the street and then drive off and leave them injured is dangerous and cowardly," Detective Senior Sergeant Levy says.
"The victim is extremely lucky that his injuries are not more serious."
Police are appealing to the public for information about two, possibly three cars, seen driving in convoy in the area at the time of the shooting. The vehicles, one of which is described as a black Subaru station wagon, were also believed to have been parked in the Naenae shopping centre earlier in the afternoon.
"We'd like to know who was in those vehicles and where they and the cars are now," Detective Senior Sergeant Levy says.
Police are following up inquiries in the area today but say the victim is not a gang member, although he is known to Black Power members.
"We can't rule out the possibility that the Mongrel Mob was involved but the reason for the shooting is unclear."
Information to Lower Hutt CIB on telephone 560 2600.
Ends
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District Communications Manager
Tel: 04 496 3464 or 0274 373 020