A serious incident in Tauranga this morning involving an allegedly armed, fleeing driver ended with a dramatic public arrest.
In a statement to SunLive, police said nobody was seriously hurt, but the incident was highly visible as police tracked a suspect from Bethlehem for about 15km to central Tauranga.
Police were called to an address in Sabana Place, Bethlehem, about 8.10am after a person reported a relative being shot at, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said in a statement this afternoon.
“While officers were responding, the suspect left the scene in a white ute and began driving towards Cameron Rd, where officers spotted the vehicle and kept watch while plans were put in place to safely stop it.”
The vehicle sped off when police signalled it to stop, and a short pursuit was abandoned when the driving behaviour deteriorated.
Police tracked the vehicle on CCTV and an officer spiked the tyres on The Strand in Tauranga city.
“The rubber finally gave way while the vehicle was being driven erratically near Tauranga Police Station.”
Anderson said the driver got out of the vehicle holding a firearm. Police immediately challenged him and appealed unsuccessfully for him to put the weapon down.
Officers used non-lethal sponge rounds and a Taser to end the incident.
The man was taken into custody about 8.40am and treated for minor injuries.
Cordons were briefly in place at Monmouth St and Sabana Place, but both roads have now been reopened.
Scene examinations continued at Sabana Place, where there would be an increased police presence, Anderson said.
“I’m proud of the efforts of the officers involved. They were faced with an unpredictable and dangerous situation and resolved it quickly, without anyone being seriously injured.
“We are offering support to the victims and staff involved.
“We want to assure the community there is no ongoing threat, and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.”
A witness, who works near the police station, told the Bay of Plenty Times she was in her car, about 5 metres from the ute, during the “nerve-racking” incident.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said she had just parked opposite the station when the ute roared into the street.
It moved out of sight and she heard alarms going off in the police station. She saw lots of police running out, including some with guns who headed in the direction of the ute.
She realised the ute was heading back into the street and heard more loud noises.
About five minutes later, she saw three police officers walking a man to the police station.
“He walked away from the vehicle and the cops, up to the corner.
“AOS overpowered him … The whole road is shut outside the police station.”
Another person said they were turned around on the way to work.
“The Tauranga Police Station was taped off and roadblocks were in place.
“The roadblocks were manned by police with guns.”
Anderson said a 36-year-old Tauranga man had been charged with firearms and driving offences. He was due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on Tuesday.
Police wanted to hear from anyone who witnessed the events or who had dashcam footage.
Reports can be made via 105 by phone or online, giving the reference P064138790.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.