Auckland.Scoop
There were cordons in the streets of Taumarunui this morning and the armed offenders squad was called in to arrest a teenager who, said the police without giving specifics, had committed “a number of serious offences.”

News from NZ Police
Police have arrested a 19-year-old Taumarunui man after he committed a number of serious offences including discharging a firearm in an unsafe manner today. Police were notified of the man’s actions at around 8am this morning from members of the public.

Ruapehu/Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich says: “We believe the man has committed several serious offences in a number of different locations including discharging a firearm in an unsafe manner.”

“This is an on-going investigation and we are conducting an area canvas to determine the sequence of events that have taken place. At this stage we are looking at six scene examinations in a variety of locations.

“We are also in the process of going to every area where the man has been and performing checks on each property to make sure no one has been injured. So far we have received no reports of any members of the public sustaining injuries.”

The Police Armed Offenders Squad and officers cordoned off parts of the town. The man was arrested by officers from a mobile patrol unit. No shots were fired from Police.

“The cordons around the town have now been lifted and Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the offending.

“We are appealing for witnesses and encourage the public to come forward if they have any information in regards to our investigation.”

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Taumarunui Police Station on (07) 895 8119. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The man is now in Police custody and will appear before the courts shortly.

Taumarunui in lockdown

UPDATE from NZ Police
Police have now charged a 19-year-old Taumarunui man after he committed a number of serious offences today. The man has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and other serious charges are pending. He is due to appear in the Taumarunui District Court tomorrow.

Ruapehu/Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Steve Mastrovich says: “We are relieved to confirm that no one has sustained any injuries from the man’s actions. During the man’s offending we believe he has threatened members of the public with weapons and shots have been fired.

“The investigation is on-going and we are still conducting scene examinations and talking to witnesses to piece together what has happened over the area between Raurimu, Whakahoro, and Taumarunui in the early hours of the morning up until mid-morning on Sunday.

“We are very interested to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in those areas over that time period,” says Inspector Mastrovich.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Taumarunui Police Station on (07) 895 8119. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.