A serious incident in Tauranga this morning involving an allegedly armed, fleeing driver ended with a dramatic public arrest.<\/p>\n
In a statement to SunLive, police said nobody was seriously hurt, but the incident was highly visible as police tracked a suspect from Bethlehem to central Tauranga, about 15km away.<\/p>\n
Police were called to a Sabana Pl address about 8.10am, after a person reported a relative allegedly being shot at by an individual, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said in a statement this afternoon.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile officers were responding, the suspect left the scene in a white ute and began driving towards Cameron Rd, where officers spotted the vehicle and kept watch while plans were put in place to safely stop it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anderson alleged the vehicle fled when police signalled for it to stop but a short pursuit was abandoned when the driving behaviour deteriorated.<\/p>\n
Police tracked the vehicle on CCTV and an officer spiked the tyres on The Strand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rubber finally gave way while the vehicle was being driven erratically near Tauranga Police Station.\u201d<\/p>\n
He alleged the driver exited the vehicle holding a firearm, and police immediately challenged him and unsuccessfully appealed for him to put the weapon down.<\/p>\n
Officers used non-lethal sponge rounds and a Taser to end the incident, Anderson said.<\/p>\n
The man was taken into custody at about 8.40am and received medical attention for minor injuries.<\/p>\n
Cordons were briefly in place at Monmouth St and Sabana Pl but both roads have now been reopened.<\/p>\n
Scene examinations were ongoing at Sabana Pl, where there would be an increased Police presence, said Anderson.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of the efforts of the officers involved. They were faced with an unpredictable and dangerous situation and resolved it quickly, without anyone being seriously injured,\u201d Anderson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are offering support to the victims and staff involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to assure the community there is no ongoing threat, and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.\u201d<\/p>\n
Members of the public reported a heavy police presence on Monmouth St, near the Tauranga Police Station this morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just tried to get to work in Tauranga city but was turned around as the Tauranga Police Station was taped off and roadblocks were in place,\u201d one person said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe roadblocks were manned by police with guns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another reader said there were also police in Willow St with rifles around 9am.<\/p>\n
Anderson said a 36-year-old Tauranga man had been charged with firearms and driving offences. He was due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Police wanted to hear from anyone who witnessed the events, or who has dashcam footage of the incident.<\/p>\n
Reports can be made via 105 by phone or online. Reference P064138790.<\/p>\n
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.<\/p>\n
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