Armed police operation closes highway near Coroglen Tavern in Coromandel

Armed police are understood to be in the Coroglen area of Coromandel Peninsula tonight. Coroglen Tavern part-owner Luke Findlay said he understood they were responding to a man seen on a driveway armed with a gun near the settlement south of Whitianga. Image / Google Maps

Armed police are at an unfolding incident that’s left people stranded in a nearby pub and led to the closure of a highway in Coromandel Peninsula, a witness says.

Coroglen Tavern part-owner Luke Findlay had not long closed for the night when he saw three police vehicles with Armed Offenders Squad members travelling to a property near the pub 16km south of Whitianga.

He understood a person with a gun had been seen on the driveway of the property, Findlay said.

“There’s AOS up at the [property], and three police officers here [outside the tavern] and cops either side of the Whitianga and Coroglen sides of the [State Highway 25] highway … and the [police] helicopter’s going around.”

The incident, which has also been the subject of social media posts, is understood to have begun about 8.45pm.

Findlay and two others – one a neighbour of the property where the incident was understood to be taking place – were stuck at the tavern while the police operation continued, he said just before 11pm.

However, he felt safe, Findlay said.

“We’re just chilling out waiting.”

The Herald has contacted police for comment, but hadn’t received a response as of 11pm.