Two Mongrel Mob members and one associate have been arrested after a man was allegedly shot through the leg with a spear gun in front of his young children in Hamilton late last week, leaving him critically injured.
Police received multiple calls about an incident on Coates St in Hamilton East at around 11.30am on Saturday.
A man had been putting his young children into his car when he was approached by two unknown males wearing Mongrel Mob regalia, a police spokesperson said.
“Words were exchanged before the man was then assaulted.
“The victim’s partner, along with a member of the public tried to step in to protect the victim.”
Two associates of the offenders began to assault the victim’s partner before one of them left and returned with a spear gun.
The spokesperson said this spear gun was given to one of the gang members, who then shot the victim through the leg with the spear gun. The gang members then left the area.
The victim was taken to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition and underwent surgery to have the spear removed.
“Thankfully, he is now in a stable condition,” police said.
Police carried out “a number” of search warrants, some of which utilised the armed offenders squad, in relation to this incident.
Gang regalia and a firearm were seized, the spokesperson said.
“We arrested two people in Hamilton yesterday and a man in Wellington overnight.”
Detective Sergeant Matt Lee said the alleged gang members and associates involved in this matter “didn’t think twice” about violently assaulting a man in front of his children in broad daylight.
“Let these arrests be a clear message that Police and the Waikato community will not tolerate this type of abhorrent behaviour.”
A 28-year-old man is appearing in Hamilton District Court today on charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with intent to injure, and displaying gang insignia in a public place.
A 34-year-old man is appearing in Wellington District Court today on wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault with intent to injure and displaying gang insignia in a public place. He also faces additional charges for supplying Class A drugs relating to a separate operation.
A 24-year-old woman will appear in Hamilton District Court at a later date for assault with intent to injure and unlawful possession of a firearm.
