Armed Offenders Squad call out in Parakao

At approximately 9.15 am this morning Police received a call for assistance after the female occupant had fled a rural dwelling house stating that her partner had assaulted a younger male person at the address. She had fears for the safety of the youth after her partner had located a concealed firearm on the premises and made various threats.

An area of Mangakähia Road was closed for several hours while Police cordoned the area. The Armed Offenders Squad subsequently made entry into the dwelling and found no occupants present.

Several hours later the youth advised his family that he had walked free from the dwelling immediately after the altercation with the male occupant, leaving him alone in the dwelling. The youth had hitchhiked to a nearby town and was not seriously injured.

A gunshot was reportedly heard from the general area of the rural property. A lengthy search with the assistance of the Police helicopter ensued. Police were unable to locate the male occupant.

Inquiries into his whereabouts are continuing.


Note from NorthComms. It is appreciated that there has been a lot of interest in this throughout the day with various rumours circulating. The main problem was the lack of cell phone coverage to the area which made updates unreliable.