Details of charges against Upper Hutt gunman revealed

Pera Ariki Smiler was killed after brandishing his rifle in Upper Hutt. Photo / Supplied via Facebook

Criminal charges laid against the Upper Hutt gunman were dropped today.

Pera Smiler, 25, was to have appeared in the Hutt Valley District Court this morning on a benefit fraud charge.

He was shot dead by police on Tuesday afternoon.

The benefit fraud charge was dropped today, as were other charges laid by police, Fairfax reported. These included drink driving and failing to stop for police, dating from June 29 last year in Upper Hutt.

The benefit fraud charge related to a $3000 payment Smiler received to settle in Christchurch for full-time work.

NZME confirmed on Tuesday the benefit fraud charge was laid by the Ministry of Social Development and a warrant for arrest was issued for Smiler on June 2.