An investigation is underway and one man has been arrested, after a number of people were shot at with a BB gun fired from a vehicle travelling between National Park and Turangi.
Police are aware of four incidents at this stage with at least one person confirmed as injured. An appeal is being issued to try and locate a cyclist who is believed to be a victim, as well as any other victims or witnesses yet to speak to police.
All of the known incidents occurred between 5pm and 6.30pm yesterday (Wednesday. 7 January) as the vehicle travelled along SH47. The vehicle alleged to have been involved was an old looking, dark grey Nissan hatchback with no hubcaps and four male occupants.
The first report came from a woman who had a pellet strike the windscreen of her car. She was then approached by a cyclist who said he had been shot in the hip, but police are yet to identify or locate that cyclist.
Police were then flagged down by a man who had been shot in the shoulder while he stood taking a photo. That shot caused a welt injury. As the officer made area enquiries he spoke to a second cyclist who reported hearing a pellet fly past his head and lodge in a grass bank.
At approximately 6.30pm Turangi officers spotted a vehicle that fitted the description and pulled it over. A BB gun was located and a 19-year-old Turangi man was arrested.
He has been charged with assaulting a person with a firearm or airgun and will appear at Taupo District Court next Wednesday.
Police are asking for the cyclist who was reportedly shot in the hip to make contact. Police also want anyone else with information relevant to this investigation to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.