Police updates for 23 April 2022.
Arrests following firearms incidents, Wellington
Seven people have been arrested and a firearm recovered, after Police responded to two serious firearms-related incidents in Wellington this morning.
The incidents, one in the central city and another in Tawa, are believed to be linked.
Just after 5am Police were called to Dixon Street after reports two people had firearms-related injuries.
The pair were transported to Wellington Hospital where they remain in a critical condition.
Two people were arrested in relation to this incident a short time later.
A second firearms incident was reported to Police shortly before 7am, outside a residence in Tremewan Street, Tawa.
Police responded after reports multiple shots had been fired from a vehicle. No injuries were reported.
At 7.30am Police stopped a vehicle of interest traveling north on State Highway 59 in Paremata. Five people from the vehicle were arrested and a firearm was recovered.
Police believe that these were not random attacks.
Police acknowledge these events are extremely distressing for the local community and there will be an increased Police presence while the investigation remains ongoing.
Police are now considering charges in relation to today’s arrests.
Anyone with information that could assist Police with enquiries is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote event number P050338863.
Alternately information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Four deaths following Invercargill crash
Police can confirm four teenagers died following yesterday afternoon’s two-vehicle crash near Queens Park in Invercargill.
A fifth person, the driver of a truck carrying concrete, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The four teenage young men, three aged 16 and one aged 17, were travelling in a a black Ford Ranger ute when it collided with the truck on Queens Drive shortly before 4pm. They all died at the scene.
The formal identification process is ongoing and we’re not able to provide any further information about those who died, other to advise that three of the young men were from the Bluff area.
The road in the vicinity of the crash has remained closed to allow a further examination of the scene today.
Police continue to appeal for any witnesses to the crash to make contact.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting event number 220422/7161.
Fatal crash – Western Hills Drive, Whangārei
Police can confirm that a person has died following a serious crash at the intersection of Western Hills Drive and Douglas Street, Whangārei this morning.
Emergency services responded to the crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle at 9.30am. Sadly, one person died at the scene.
Serious Crash Unit have completed their examination of the crash scene and the roads have now re-opened, following a blessing.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.
