A rider who allegedly pulled out a firearm before taking off on a dirt bike in Whangārei on Wednesday will now face court.
At about 3pm, Police were notified of a person on a blue dirt bike who had allegedly presented a firearm at a member of the public in Woodhill before leaving and heading towards Maunu Road.
Whangārei Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Rene Rakete, says Police quickly spotted the rider on Raumanga Valley Road riding his dirt bike along the footpath.
“No pursuit was initiated, however the rider has seen Police and taken off.
“A short time later a unit has spotted him in a carpark before observing him driving across a reserve and into Mahana Place.”
Rakete says the man was taken into custody and a search of his bag located an imitation firearm.
“This should serve as a reminder that presenting a firearm will initiate a strong response from Police and can result in charges.
“Police take any report of the presence of firearms in the community extremely seriously.”
An 18-year-old male will appear in Whangārei District Court on 15 June.
He has been charged with behaving threateningly, driving while suspended and presenting a thing likely to be believed to be prohibited firearm at person.
