Rain halts search for gun in 70s cold case

Police search for a weapon along Mangakakahi Stream in Rotorua. Photo / The Daily Post

Heavy rain has delayed the search for the gun used to shoot Rotorua bank security guard Howard Percy in 1976.

Members of the police national dive squad, along with Rotorua police and search and rescue volunteers, spent the weekend searching Mangakakahi Stream and the surrounding area for the .22 calibre rifle which was used to shoot Mr Percy.

Nothing was found during the search throughout the weekend and the recent heavy rain in the city has meant the search is on hold until the rain has stopped and stream levels have settled.

Mr Percy was working as a security guard in an ANZ banking facility on Old Taupo Rd when he was shot on November 5 1976. Last week police reopened the investigation into his death after receiving new information.