Hawke’s Bay police arrest man and seize firearm after Puketapu incident

A man has been charged, a firearm seized, and a car impounded following an incident in the Hastings community of Puketapu.

A police spokesperson said that about 11.35pm on Friday officers received a report that a gun was fired in the direction of a member of the public after the person approached a car that had been driving dangerously.

Detective Inspector Martin James said that before a report was made to police, the vehicle drove off, and the person followed to get more information.

“However, the offender’s vehicle crashed into a ditch off Dartmoor Road soon after an occupant of the vehicle had reportedly discharged a firearm towards the person,” he said.

“Police were then called by this informant and arrived to find the offenders’ vehicle had been abandoned.

“While searching the vehicle, police located and seized a firearm and the vehicle was also seized and was to be examined today.”

Police, including members of the AOS and CIB, executed a search warrant on Saturday at a Napier residential address where they arrested an 18-year-old man.

The offender is due to appear in Napier District Court this week on charges of careless driving, unlawful possession of a firearm, and making a false statement.

James said there was no place for this activity in the community, investigators remained dedicated to identifying and locating others involved, and further arrests were likely.