Hamilton Police investigating Thursday night's aggravated of an eastern suburb store in which a shot was fired during a struggle with the business owner are continuing their investigation to find the offenders responsible.
Detective Constable Chris Wharton of the Hamilton CIB said the business that was held up about 8.45pm was on Hamilton's Grey St, not Heaphy Tce as earlier reported.
"In the incident two Maori or Polynesian males entered the store, one armed with what Police believe was a swan-off shotgun.
"A struggle has taken place between the male owner of the Bulk Food and Spice Haven Store and the offender armed with the firearm and shot was discharged into the floor.
"The offenders were believed to be aged late teens or early twenties and both were wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts. The firearm was directed and shop keeper and orders given to him to hand over cash and cigarettes."
Mr Wharton said while that was going on the other man took an amount of tobacco from a counter display and the pair fled the store, getting into a dark grey or silver sedan parked in the driveway of the neighbouring Repco's car park.
"This car was being driven by a third offender which left the scene heading south on grey St before turning left at the roundabout and heading east along Te Aroha St towards Peachgrove Rd.
"Given the seriousness of what has occurred, particularly the discharge of the firearm we are lucky we're not investigating something far more serious and we would like to reiterate the message to victims not to confront offenders rather that they comply with any demands then dial 111 at the earliest possible moment."
Mr Wharton said members of the public may have heard someone bragging about the incident or seen what had taken place and if so he urged people to contact him at the Hamilton central Police Station on 07 8349413.
"Alternatively people can leave information anonymously on the CrimeStoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.
"We're concerned about the level of violence displayed in this incident given the fact they were willing to discharge the firearm and the risks to the public of the offenders carrying out similar activities again."
End