Onehunga shooting: Offenders still at large as man fights for life in hospital

Police are still hunting those responsible for a targeted shooting in Onehunga as their victim fights for his life in hospital.

Emergency services rushed to a property on Arthur St shortly after 11am yesterday, following reports a person had been shot.

The shooting in Onehunga took place on Friday morning and a police scene examination is ongoing. Photo / Michael Craig

Police officers located the victim at the address and he was transported to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce said investigators were urgently working to identify and locate those involved.

“Several people arrived at a residential address and discharged firearms at the front of the house, and the victim has been struck as a result of this,” Bunce said.

“Investigators are making a number of inquiries to locate the people involved.

“Incidents like this are incredibly concerning, but I want to assure the public that we are doing everything to track these offenders and arrest them. At this stage we believe this was a targeted incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public.”

A scene examination remains ongoing at the Arthur St property.

Police are appealing for help from the public, particularly anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from Arthur St or nearby streets around 11am yesterday.

“Information from the public remains crucial to the investigation,” Bunce said.

The police say the shooting was targeted and there is no risk to the public. Photo / Michael Craig

“Even the smallest detail could be vital.”

Emergency services swarmed the area yesterday morning, with armed police establishing cordons across several streets close to the busy Dress Smart shopping mall.

The cordons were later lifted.

Hato Hone St John said it was notified of the incident at 11.09am and deployed one ambulance, one rapid response unit and an operations manager.

Paramedics treated the patient at the scene before transporting him to Auckland City Hospital.

Police at the scene yesterday, with some residents saying the incident was deeply unsettling. Photo / Michael Craig

Residents described a heavy police presence and widespread unease as officers conducted door-to-door inquiries.

One woman told the Herald police escorted her to her home while the Armed Offenders Squad was operating in the street.

Another resident said it was “usually a pretty quiet street” and the incident was deeply unsettling.

Police are asking anyone with information to report it online at 105.police.govt.nz using “update report”, or by calling 105 and quoting reference number 260116/9278.

Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.