Police seek suspect after street shooting
The man who police believe shot a person dead on a central Auckland street had minutes earlier been denied entry from a bar.
Police launched a homicide inquiry after the body was found on a footpath on Sunday night on Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, following reports of a firearm being discharged.
Speaking to media yesterday afternoon, Detective Inspector Chris Barry shared images and gave details of the person police believe was involved in the shooting.
Emergency services first responded to reports of a firearm being discharged on Ponsonby Rd at 10.18pm on Sunday.
Barry said the man was denied entry to the bar on Ponsonby Rd because it was about to close.
He then walked further south towards Richmond Rd, where a group of four people had just exited a vehicle.
It was minutes later when one of those people was shot dead by the offender, who was described as of large build, with facial hair and a large tattoo on his left forearm.
The CCTV photos released by police show the man wearing a crossbody bag.
Multiple shots were fired, and police believe the gun had been concealed in the bag.
Police were immediately called, but when officers arrived, the man was deceased.
Barry was unable to comment on whether the incident was gang-related.
He said officers were appealing to the public for any information about the man, and from people who knew him.
“We are just looking for that member of the public that knows who this man is to pick up the phone.”
The man was seen walking south again on Ponsonby Rd, towards Richmond Rd, following the shooting.
The man was extremely dangerous and should not be approached, Barry said. If seen, people should immediately call 111.
Barry reminded anyone that might be helping to conceal the man’s identity that they could also be prosecuted.
Shortly before 10.30am yesterday, a specialist search team arrived and began to search outside of the police cordon.
A team of six specialist police officers began combing the ground step by step, looking for an unknown item – checking in plant pots, in the gutters, and on the facades of local businesses.
Owner of Rollo’s Goods & Coffee, Emma Rolston, earlier told Stuff the morning had been “hectic”.
“I woke up to messages from my family and friends and realised it had happened right by the shop,” Rolston said.
She said she had contacted her employees first thing to tell them not to come in, but was waiting to see whether the cordon would be lifted.
“It’s a disruption to our business, but obviously, someone’s lost their life.
She added that it was “freaky” to have the death happen so close.
“It’s kind of scary. It wasn’t even that late at night.”
Another local business owner described the incident as “shocking and scary”.