A dispute between neighbours appears to have been the catalyst for a confrontation that led to a Thames suburb being cordoned off by armed Police from across the Waikato earlier today.
Waikato Police on-call manager, Acting Detective Inspector Ross McKay said alcohol may have been a factor in the incident that saw Abingdon Pl cordoned off after reports of shots being fired by a man armed with a handgun at a passing car.
"Two women are currently being spoken to by investigators after it appears they were involved in a physical altercation in the middle of the street about 2.40pm.
"It looks like a male associate of one of the pair has intervened to try and break the altercation up and things have deteriorated to the point where several calls were made the 111 call centre, including those referring to a gun being discharged."
Mr McKay said given the serious nature of the reported events, a comprehensive Police response followed which included using armed staff from across the Eastern Waikato, road policing officers, a dog handler and the deployment of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad as well as the Police Eagle helicopter.
"No firearm was located at scene nor was there any damage found to the vehicle allegedly fired upon.
There have also not been any witnesses spoken to who state they saw first hand any gun being fired.
"Given the number of Police resources tied up in this response and also the inconvenience caused to the general public through the cordons being established, it is of concern how those involved allowed the situation to deteriorate."
Mr McKay said a decision on what, if any, charges will be laid is yet to be made.
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