A man has been taken into custody after shots were fired at police in Palmerston North in two incidents over the past 48 hours.
The 20-year-old man was arrested this morning and charged with using a firearm against a law enforcement officer as well as having a warrant for outstanding driving offences.
Police central district commander Dion Bennett said patrolling officers were notified of a speeding vehicle near Highbury Ave at 1.30am today.
“The driver failed to stop, and as police pursued the fleeing vehicle, a passenger leaned out of the window and aimed a firearm at police, firing five or six times.”
The Armed Offenders Squad was called in, and road spikes were successfully deployed.
The vehicle was later found abandoned on Chadwick Place, where officers also recovered a firearm.
A search of the area by police dogs led officers to a nearby address, where a man was taken into custody.
Police said this morning’s events follow an earlier incident around 4.20am on Sunday, when officers were alerted to someone tracking their stolen vehicle through Palmerston North.
Officers began following while plans were made to deploy road spikes. The stolen vehicle then doubled back and drove directly towards the patrol car.
No one was injured, but a bullet hole was later found on the front of a police vehicle.
A firearm was also located on the road the vehicle had travelled.
While the driver was not located at the time, police believe Sunday morning’s incident and today’s were linked.
Bennett said extra police would be patrolling in the Highbury area today as officers continued to make inquiries.
“We will use all the available powers to us, including Gang Conflict Warrants, and support from our neighbouring districts, to stamp out this violent and vile behaviour.”
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Police on 105.
