NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Government cracks down on sales of nangs, cheaper cannabis and more frequent use in NZ, Electricity Authority probes power price hikes.
The owners of a remote pub where people were stranded after an armed incident nearby have thanked police for “helping keep everyone safe”.
Three people were forced to shelter in Coroglen Tavern last night as armed police descended on the Coromandel Peninsula settlement 16km south of Whitianga after a personwith a gun was seen on the driveway of a nearby property.
A 37-year-old man was arrested after a standoff lasting several hours and was to appear in the Hamilton District Court today charged with presenting a firearm/restricted weapon.
In a post to the tavern’s Facebook page this afternoon, its author wrote that “we are all okay”.
“We just wanted to acknowledge the events that unfolded last night and into the early hours of this morning. Thank you to everyone who has reached out – we truly appreciate the support.
“Rest assured, we are all okay and our thoughts are now with those closely involved.”
They were also “incredibly grateful to the police and emergency services for the work they do, helping keep everyone safe”, the person wrote.
Police were called to Tairua Whitianga Rd in Coroglen about 7pm yesterday after being told a man with a firearm had been seen at a property.
Coroglen Tavern part-owner Luke Findlay hadn’t long closed for the night when he saw three police vehicles with Armed Offenders Squad members travelling to a nearby property.
He understood a person with a gun had been seen on the driveway of the property, Findlay told the Herald last night.
Armed police descended on the Coroglen area of Coromandel Peninsula last night amid concerns of an armed man. A person was later arrested. Image / Google Maps
As well as three police officers outside the tavern, and the police helicopter circling above, officers were also at cordons blocking traffic from the Whitianga and Coroglen sides of State Highway 25.
Findlay, another man and a woman were stuck in the tavern while the police operation continued, he said just before 11pm.
One of those sheltering in the pub was a neighbour of the property where the incident was taking place.
Despite the drama, the neighbour felt safe, Findlay said.
“We’re just chilling out waiting.”
Three people sheltered at Coroglen Tavern during the incident, with police keeping watch outside. Photo / Google Streetview
After trying to engage with the suspect and unsuccessfully asking him to leave the building, a cordon was established, a police spokesperson said today.
“Police continued to appeal to the man and then deployed tactical options including a drone and gas.”
The man was taken into custody about 3am and two air rifles were recovered from the address, the spokesperson said.
Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.
