A Glen Eden woman is in a serious but stable condition in Green Lane Hospital after being hit by an arrow fired from a loaded crossbow.
Police say the 42 year old victim has a severe head injury after the male occupant of a neighbouring property has been in possession of the weapon.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stan Brown says police were called to a property in Ambler Avenue Glen Eden at about 3.30pm on Thursday 8 January 2009.
"On arrival we found the victim lying injured with a 40cm long target arrow partially embedded in the front of her skull, just above the right eye."
"Prior to the incident the neighbour has been in the right of way on his property with the loaded weapon and a quantity of arrows. [Straight shaft and head, no barb] At the same time the victim has been on the veranda of her small neighbouring home unit, watering her pot plant."
"The crossbow has discharged and the arrow has travelled about 30 metres into her property. It has struck the victim inflicting her with the serious injury."
"Both the neighbour and the victim's 16 year old son heard the injured woman call out and they immediately went to her assistance. She was transported to Auckland Hospital by ambulance and later transferred to the specialist eye unit at Green Lane. Her condition is described as serious but stable. Emergency eye surgery has been carried out."
"Ongoing enquiries by police are in progress. Charges are being considered," Detective Senior Sergeant Stan Brown said.
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 / Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz