“The man who had reportedly been driving was standing next to the vehicle, uninjured, reportedly holding a crossbow that was loaded and ready to fire – however, he dropped this immediately when challenged by officers,” Manawatū acting area commander Inspector Phil Ward said.
“The man was taken into custody, and a quick search of the vehicle and nearby vicinity found that he had allegedly been attempting to hide an arsenal of weapons in the bushes.”
A crossbow and swords were among the weapons seized following an automatic crash alert in Palmerston North on Saturday. Photo / NZ Police
Photo / NZ Police
Police said weapons seized included a stolen .22 rifle, an air rifle, four samurai swords in sheaths, a machete, a crossbow and arrows, a large hunting knife, and a large amount of ammunition.
A 22-year-old man is due in Palmerston North District Court next week facing a range of charges including driving with excess breath alcohol, careless driving, unlawfully possessing a firearm, possession of offensive weapons, and possession of a knife in public.
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