Police have released images of an “extremely dangerous” man investigators are seeking after a fatal shooting in Auckland’s Ponsonby late last night.
A man was found dead outside an address on the Central Auckland street after “reports of a firearm being discharged”.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry said the man being sought had been turned away from a bar before the shooting as it was closing.
“He was seen lingering on Ponsonby Rd towards the Richmond Road end.”
A group of four people, including the victim, exited a parked car on Ponsonby Rd at around 10.15pm and walked in the man’s direction, Barry said.
“Inquiries so far indicate multiple shots were discharged.
“Police have now identified the man as the offender”.
The man is described as being of large build, with dark hair and facial hair, and a large tattoo on his forearm.
Investigators now want the public’s help to identify him but warn he is considered “extremely dangerous” and should not be approached.
“I just think it’s in everyone’s best interests that we identify him and apprehend him and hold him to account at the earliest opportunity,” Barry said.
“We would also like to remind anyone who may be assisting in concealing the man’s whereabouts could also find themselves being prosecuted.”
“The man was then seen to be walking south on Ponsonby Rd, in the direction of Richmond Rd, following the incident,” Barry said of the man’s movements following the shooting.
Police believe the weapon used in the shooting was concealed in the side bag the man carried, Barry said. He added it was unclear what the man’s motivation was.
Authorities are also “urgently seeking information from the public to assist” in identifying the man. Police are calling on people with relevant CCTV or dash camera video of what happened last night to provide their footage to investigators through a new website.
“Police have set up a secure portal which people can upload any images and footage.”
Barry said police were aware of the “unease” in the community, particularly as an arrest has not yet been made.
“Any type of incident involving a firearm is extremely concerning,” he said.
“However, we would like to reassure Ponsonby residents, and the wider community, that a dedicated police team are working diligently to hold the person involved to account.”
Cordons manned by armed officers were in place this morning. A body covered by a white sheet could earlier be seen on the footpath of Ponsonby Rd. Locals told 1News they heard gunshots last night.
A post-mortem and formal identification of the victim will be carried out over the coming days.
The people who were with the victim when they were shot have been shaken by the incident, Barry said.
“You can be certain we will piece together why this shocking incident occurred.”
‘Really quite chilled’ – Resident reacts to shooting
Ponsonby Rd resident Truda Chadwick told 1News she had just gotten home last night when she heard helicopters circling overhead.
“I felt really quite chilled,” she said. “It was actually a really weird feeling and I haven’t actually felt that before.”
Chadwick said she didn’t hear any shots or see any bikers hanging around, as reported by other neighbours.
“Ponsonby was always a bit, sort of, frisky in that area I suppose a long time ago, but we haven’t had anything like that in such a long time.”
She said generally she feels “pretty safe” living on Ponsonby Rd.
“I’ve lived here so long; things change and evolve but it’s all getting a bit tricky I think with safety in New Zealand but I suppose it’s just like anywhere else.
“I don’t know what was behind this or whether it was a random event.”
Earlier, parts of Ponsonby Rd were cordoned off as police investigated the scene the incident. The road fully re-opened at around 3pm this afternoon after the closure caused traffic delays and bus diversions.