Man faces charges after gun fired

A man is in custody, facing firearm and drug charges, after a call-out to Awakino which was sparked by a .22 magnum gun being fired.

On Friday, a 39-year-old male was arrested and faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, cultivating cannabis, intimidating behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon.

It followed police being advised of an incident about 9am on Iredale Quay in Awakino.

Yesterday, more details were revealed about the call-out, which was initially described by a police media spokesperson as involving reports of ‘‘suspicious’’ behaviour.

Detective Brad Pollock, who is based in Waitara, said police became involved following a report the man had fired a gun and then tried to flag down a passing female motorist, while armed.

‘‘She’s managed to take off without him getting in the car luckily,’’ he said.

The man then walked to the Awakino Hotel, where he successfully stopped another passing motorist.

At this point, he was no longer carrying the firearm, Pollock said.

The woman then gave the accused a ride to the Mokau police station, at the man’s request.

Pollock said a search was subsequently carried out at the man’s Awakino property, where cannabis and other ammunition were located.

The firearm used in the alleged offending, a .22 magnum, was also recovered by officers.

Pollock confirmed the Armed Offenders Squad were advised of the situation but when the accused arrived at the Mokau police station, they were stood down.

The man, who is currently in custody, is to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Thursday.

Pollock said anyone with any information about Friday’s incident could contact him directly at the Waitara station or alternatively, Constable Andrew Murphy, who is based at Mo kau.