Gunshop shooter could be charged next week, says agency

Police are still investigating a shopkeeper who shot a machete wielding intruder. Picture / Paul Estcourt

The gunshop director who shot an armed intruder in Auckland earlier this year is likely to be charged in the next few days.

Police refused to confirm Greg Carvell would be charged but said they wanted to talk to him.

NZPA understands police may charge Mr Carvell next week after he allegedly used a .45 calibre pistol to shoot Ricky James Beckham in July.

Mr Carvell told NZPA today criminal charges were "news to me. No comment at the moment".

Beckham allegedly went into the Small Arms International Gunshop in Penrose about 10am on July 27 and threatened staff with a machete.

Greg Carvell told NZPA the next day he was "upset and distressed" at the shooting.

His father Ray Carvell said his son had no choice but to shoot Beckham when he allegedly threatened to kill him.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Scott said police had been unable to talk to Greg Carvell today and would not confirm he was to be charged.

"We tried to get hold of him today to speak to him but we haven't spoken to him yet."

Mr Scott said police had also had difficulties getting in touch with his lawyer.

"I would rather not comment on it because we haven't spoken to him.

"I don't want him to hear it through some other way," Mr Scott said.

"We would like to speak to him before we make any comment."

Mr Scott also refused to comment on criticism of the police by the Sporting Shooters Association over the delay in deciding if Mr Carvell would be charged.

The association in its October newsletter said Mr Carvell was acting in defence of himself and another threatened staff member.

It said police were "too busy" to make a decision on a charge.

"We consider that delay to border on being an abuse of the victim and his family," the newsletter said.

- NZPA