Police investigating a robbery at a Whangārei bar on Friday night have arrested a 35-year-old man.
Separately, Whangārei police said they have also recovered a firearm allegedly used in the Kensington Avenue bar raid.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris said investigators worked throughout the weekend after the 10pm armed robbery, “culminating in a police operation being executed outside an Okara Drive business this afternoon”.
Police earlier said shots were fired into the ceiling of the bar and a patron was assaulted during the heist.
A man was subsequently taken into custody and faced “serious charges” in Whangārei District Court tomorrow.
“Our investigators have worked some serious hours through the weekend to hold the person responsible for this brazen act of violence,” Harris said.
The man would face charges of aggravated robbery with a firearm, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm to intimidate.
Harris said police will be opposing the man’s bail when he appears in court.
“I’m proud of the team’s work, which led to today’s operation where police converged on the person of interest, taking him into custody,” Harris said.
In a message on Facebook, Kensington Tavern staff said the bar would be closed as the business focused on the well-being of staff affected.
“Two shots were fired as a scare tactic, all involved are physically okay. Our focus is now on our staff’s well-being. Thank you all for your messages of support.”
