Man armed with crossbow keeps low profile in Napier

A man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon after being arrested with a crossbow in West Quay on Thursday. Photo / File

A man has been charged over a crossbow incident in a busy Napier area.

On Thursday police were alerted just before 6pm to a man reported to be with a crossbow in West Quay, Ahuriri,

A police spokeswoman said it was not believed the crossbow was fired, however Hawke's Bay Today understands it was fired several times.

The man appears to have maintained a low profile in West Quay - which features several waterfront bars, as well as popular restaurants - as some businesses in the area said they had not been aware of any incident.

Others said they had seen a number of police cars in the area, but had not heard any commotion.

Shed 2 proprietor Dennis Buckley said he thought the incident had happened outside the Shed 5 apartments - although this is opposite his establishment, he had not seen the action.

As well as several police cars, he had seen police who he believed had been armed - but were not the Armed Offenders Squad.

"It was certainly a bit of excitement," he said.

Police said no one was injured, and the man was arrested without incident.

A 51-year-old was charged with possessing an offensive weapon. He is due to appear in Napier District Court on 12th April.

Hawke's Bay Today understands the man is an American, based in Tauranga.

Under the Crimes Act crossbows are offensive weapons, however people do not need a licence to have them.

Police stipulate bow and arrows should only be carried with a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose, such as when taking a crossbow to archery practice or hunting.