Man arrested after several people shot at with BB gun

A man has been arrested after a number of people were shot at with a BB gun.

At least one person was injured in one of at least four known incidents, in which shots were fired from a vehicle travelling between National Park and Turangi on State Highway 47, between 5pm and 6.30pm yesterday.

The vehicle allegedly involved was described as an old-looking, dark grey Nissan hatchback with no hubcaps, and with four male occupants inside.

A woman who had a pellet strike the windscreen of her car was the first to report the shootings to police. She was then approached by a cyclist who said he had been shot in the hip, police said, but they have so far been unable to identify or locate him.

Police were then flagged down by a man who had been shot in the shoulder while he was taking a photograph.

That shot caused a welt injury, police said.

The officer making area enquiries also spoke to a second cyclist, who reported hearing a pellet fly past his head and lodge in a grass bank.

"At approximately 6.30pm, Turangi officers spotted a vehicle that fitted the description and pulled it over," police said.

"A BB gun was located and a 19-year-old Turangi man was arrested."

He has been charged with assaulting a person with a firearm or airgun and is due to appear at Taupo District Court next Wednesday.

Anybody who witnessed the drive-by shooting or who was injured in the incidents, is asked to come forward. Investigating officers are particularly keen to speak to the first cyclist who allegedly complained of being shot in the hip.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.