A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in the Auckland suburb of Pakuranga who was shot inside his van this morning.
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers of the Counties Manukau CIB said the investigation is in the early stages to determine the full circumstances of whatoccurred.
“The community can expect to see an increased police presence in the area today and in coming days as we work to piece together what has led to this and who is responsible,” Vickers said.
“We are continuing to speak to a number of people in the area at the time and are keen to hear from anyone who hasn’t already spoken with us.”
Vickers said the man was located inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound and died at the scene despite efforts from first responders.
“Inquiries to locate the persons believed to be responsible remain ongoing.”
A post mortem examination and formal identification of the victim will be carried out over the coming days.
A woman who raced to the aid of the courier driver gunned down on the East Auckland street said he loved his grandkids and she had no clue why he was targeted.
The Marvon Downs Avenue resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she ran out to the crashed van after hearing a volley of shots that sounded like “they were just outside [her] window”.
“I ran outside and saw our next-door neighbour’s courier van had driven into our neighbour’s fence.
The woman said she raced outside to the van, but her neighbour could not be saved. Photo / Jason Oxenham.
“As soon as I saw that, me and my partner ran over to see if he was still alive and if we could save him, but he was already gone.”
She believed the man, whom she would often wave to as he walked his dog, was in his 60s or 70s.
“He was a homebody … he loved his grandkids.”
She said it was unclear whether the victim was shot through the driver’s side or passenger’s side, as both windows had been smashed.
“He got shot at the intersection [of Pixie Place and Marvon Downs Ave] and then his vehicle had rolled into the fence.”
She said he had just begun his working day and there were no packages in his van. She had “no idea” who would target him.
She said nothing like this had ever happened on her street and everyone was “shocked”.
