Police allegedly shot at with air rifle in Dargaville, man bitten by police dog

Acting Northland District Commander, Inspector Dean Robinson, says it was lucky police officers were not injured during the alleged air rifle incident. Photo / NZME

One of Northland’s top cops is pleased no one was hurt by an air rifle, after it was allegedly used to shoot at police during an altercation in Dargaville on Sunday night.

Acting Northland District Commander, Inspector Dean Robinson, said a man was arrested and charged following the firearms incident.

Just after 8pm, police received a report of a person possibly in possession of a firearm on Dargaville’s Bassett St.

Officers made a number of inquiries and found a person of interest at an address on the same street, Robinson said.

“Upon arrival, the alleged offender has discharged an air rifle in the direction of police,” he said.

“Thankfully, no one was injured.”

A police dog was used and the alleged offender received a dog bite before being taken into custody, Robinson said.

The 48-year-old Dargaville man was taken to hospital for further treatment and discharged a short time later.

He was charged with two counts of committing a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two charges of resisting police.

He appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Monday and is due to reappear on February 2.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.