A man is in custody after two instances of gunshots being fired towards Police in Palmerston North in the past 48 hours.
In two separate incidents, the shots were aimed at Police after they tried to stop suspicious vehicles.
Superintendent Dion Bennett, Central District Commander, says Manawatu Police will not put up with this display or reckless and mindless violence.
With Police already managing gang-related tensions in Levin under powers granted by a Gang Conflict Warrant, Palmerston North Police are now considering applying for similar controls in their area.
“I’m pleased we have arrested someone in relation to this morning’s offending, and locking someone up for that is a huge relief and a testament to the solid work of Police staff across Manawatu," says Superintendent Bennett.
“We will be relentless in our pursuit of safety – for our staff, our communities, and all who live in them,” he says.
Today’s shooting at Police occurred around 1.30am, after patrolling officers noticed a speeding vehicle on Highbury Avenue.
The driver failed to stop, and as Police pursued the fleeing vehicle, a passenger leaned out of the window and aimed a firearm at Police, firing five or six times towards the Police vehicle.
Fortunately, there were no injuries. Officers from the Armed Offenders Squad were immediately dispatched.
Road spikes were deployed successfully and despite officers briefly losing sight of the vehicle, it was located, abandoned, a short time later on Chadwick Place.
A firearm was also located on the road the vehicle had travelled.
As Police and police dogs searched the area, officers were led to a nearby address where they took a man into custody.
This morning’s incident follows another at 4.20am on Sunday, when Police received reports from someone following their stolen vehicle through Palmerston North. They also advised officers that a ute was following it, and both vehicles were speeding.
A Police unit followed the vehicles, while a plan was being made to lay road spikes ahead of the first vehicle.
The first vehicle then doubled back and drove towards the Police vehicle. The officer heard what he thought was the discharge of a firearm.
Fortunately no one was injured, however there was later confirmed to be a bullet hole in the front of the Police car near the headlight. The vehicle was not pursued due to the perceived risk.
Police entered an investigation phase in order to locate it and the driver.
The driver was not located at the time, however it is believed Sunday morning and this morning’s incidents are linked, and along with this morning’s arrest, enquiries are ongoing to confirm the links between them.
Superintendent Bennett said extra police would be patrolling in the Highbury area today as officers continue to make those enquiries.
The 20-year-old man arrested this morning was expected to appear in Palmerston North District Court today on one charge of using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, and on a warrant for outstanding driving offences.
Superintendent Bennett says while these two Palmerston North events, and recent events in Levin do not appear to be directly related, he issued a strong warning for all gangs in his District.
“We will use all the available powers to us, including Gang Conflict Warrants, and support from our neighbouring districts, to stamp out this violent and vile behaviour. The community is sick of being stuck in the middle of their warring, both between gangs and internally in gangs – they need to stop before someone innocent, or someone they love, gets hurt.
“The help from the public in terms of providing Police with information about these incidents has been outstanding, and is truly appreciated,” he says.
“Our Police staff have responded safely, with urgency and determination, to apprehend offenders and bring those responsible before the courts.”
Superintendent Bennett says the public can be reassured that Police are well planned, professional, and using good tactics to keep everybody safe.
“Increased Police patrols remain in place, which is also helping us zero on those responsible even more quickly.”
Police’s message to the gangs, and those intent on causing fear and harm, is simple.
“We won’t be letting up, and will be holding you to account. Stop this dangerous behaviour before someone gets hurt, or worse,” Superintendent Bennett says.
Anyone with information that can assist in our investigations is urged to contact Police.
You can provide information through our 105 services, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
