A 22-year-old who allegedly fired a gun during an altercation near Wellington Hospital on Wednesday has been arrested.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said the man was located at an address in Hawera and arrested without incident around midday today.
“Searches of three Hawera addresses are underway, and a shotgun believed to have been used has been located.”
Leitch earlier said a person was threatened with a machete by the driver of a white Ford Ranger at around 5pm on Wednesday evening at a motor lodge opposite the entrance to the hospital on Riddiford St.
“The person threatened retrieved a firearm from nearby and, along with an associate, got into a grey Mitsubishi Colt driving into the hospital carpark opposite the emergency department entrance.
“They then drove the wrong way up the main vehicle exit stopping outside the main hospital entrance at 5.16pm where the Ford Ranger was now parked.
“A further confrontation occurred between the occupants of the two vehicles before a firearm was discharged towards the Ford Ranger.”
After the shooting, those involved immediately left the scene.
A 40-year-old man who allegedly presented a machete during the incident was taken into custody yesterday. He was remanded on bail to reappear in court on May 27.
Police also said a 21-year-old Gisborne man who was allegedly an associate of the Ford Ranger driver presented a knife during the confrontation and was arrested yesterday.
Leitch said inquiries would continue in order to identify and speak with others involved in the shooting, including the man that was in the Mitsubishi Colt at the time of the shooting.
“Police are very happy to have resolved this matter quickly, and we hope that the arrest and firearm seizure today provides reassurance to the public that offenders who behave in such a dangerous manner will be held to account.”
Police also thanked members of the public who came forward with information and urged anyone who had not yet got in touch to do so, he said.
“The incident occurred in a very busy public place and a number of witnesses including hospital visitors and taxis were close by at the time.”
“Initial indications suggest those involved were known to each other and there is not an immediate threat to the wider public.”
The 22-year-old will be charged with discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate and will appear in New Plymouth District Court tomorrow.
The 21-year-old was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and will appear in Wellington District Court on May 6.