Hamilton court appearance after alleged firearm incident at Thames swimming hole

A man has been charged after allegedly brandishing a firearm, threatening bystanders and firing a shot into the air at a well-known Thames swimming hole.

Police said they were called to the swimming hole on Kauaeranga Valley Rd at about 5pm yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Mark Leathem of the Coromandel Hauraki Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) said the man had allegedly threatened members of the public before discharging a shot into the air.

Leathem said the man then allegedly discarded the weapon into nearby vegetation before fleeing with another party.

“Police Eagle attended and located the vehicle a short time later and the pair were arrested,” Leathem said.

“The firearm was also recovered from the initial scene.”

A 20-year-old man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow on charges including unlawfully possessing a firearm and discharging a firearm to intimidate.

“Police are aware this incident caused significant distress to those members of the public who were present and additional patrols are in place in the area to provide reassurance,” Leathem said.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to us who might have information about this incident or those involved.

“If you can help, please use our 105 service and quote reference number 251129/4740.”