Waitemata Police on the North Shore are investigating a drive by shooting in the suburb of Browns Bay which has resulted in an 81 year old woman being injured by a air gun projectile and also suffering from shock.
Sergeant Grant HAND - Officer in Charge at Browns Bay, says Police went to Inverness Road at about 10.50am Monday 3 December 2007 after a male witness reported a shot had been fired at an elderly woman in the street.
"The 25 year old witness gave immediate comfort and support to the victim."
"A Red Mazda Estima Liftback or similar model vehicle was sighted in the area at the time of the shooting. There were two unidentified male occupants. The vehicle's registration number is not known. Police are now seeking to identify the two occupants and locate the whereabouts of the vehicle," he said.
"At the scene Police found the elderly victim with a small wound in her upper back caused by a projectile, shot from a BB air gun or other similar weapon."
"The woman was about 200 metres from her home and was walking to the nearby shops when she heard a "popping sound" - this was followed by a "sharp, stinging sensation" between her shoulders,"
"The victim became instantly aware, that she had been shot."
"The impact of the projectile caused a welt in her back about the size of a ten cent piece. She has suffered shock as a result of the shooting but did not require full medical attention. Victim Support members are in contact with the victim who is independent and lives alone in Browns Bay."
"This was an unprovoked "callous and cowardly attack" on a defenceless elderly lady who was walking alone on the street in the vicinity of her home."
"This totally irresponsible act could have had unimaginable consequences as the elderly victim has just been released from hospital after a heart ailment."
"Browns Bay has a sizeable retired population and no similar incidents have been reported in this area recently. This is an isolated incident in this locality."
"It's a timely reminder though for all families to be aware of the welfare of their elders, especially those who are independent and are living alone," Sergeant Hand said.
Anyone who sighted the described vehicle in Inverness Road or recalls seeing a similar vehicle in the business sector of the Browns Bay township on Monday is asked to immediately contact Senior Constable Simon Lee at Browns Bay Police Station on [09] 353 0410
FOOTNOTE: - Police remind everyone under the age of 18 years that it is an offence to be in possession of an air gun unless you are the holder of a firearms licence.
Parents should also make themselves aware of the status of the law as it pertains to persons under 18 years having BB guns and other popular items commonly identified as air guns.