Arrest follows firearm incident

A 19 year old Kawerau man has been arrested in Rotorua yesterday afternoon after pointing a firearm at a vehicle in the Tikitere area just after 12 noon yesterday (21 April, 2011).

The Acting Area Commander for the Rotorua Police Area, Inspector Anna Jackson, says a member of the public stopped at the Police weighbridge, just south of the Rotorua Airport, to tell Police that a firearm had been pointed at him on the road in Tikitere.

“Rotorua Police staff were immediately sent to the area, and the vehicle was eventually stopped on Te Ngae Road.

“The five occupants of the car – two men and three women – were directed out of the car using a loud speaker and armed officers.

“Police found a machete in the car, while a firearm was found during a search warrant that was executed at an Owhata address a short time later.”

Inspector Jackson says the 19 year old man has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawfully presenting a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an offensive weapon.

She says the other man in the car has been charged with possession of a knife.

The 19 year old man has been remanded in custody and will appear in the Rotorua District Court on Saturday. The other man has been released on bail and will appear in the Rotorua District Court on Thursday 28 April.

“This must have been a frightening experience for the driver of the other car, but we are pleased he stopped so quickly to inform Police of the situation.

“Police would also like to thank members of the public who may have been held up on Te Ngae Rd for a short time while Police dealt with the car and its occupants.”

Police are unable to comment further as this case is now before the courts.