Manurewa gunman arrested after getting stuck under house

  • Updated
  • 12/08/2018

The man who fled from police after allegedly pointing a firearm at an officer in the south Auckland suburb of Manurewa has been located and arrested.

The 48-year-old had been hiding under a house and was heard making noise by the occupants, who then notified police.

The capture of the man comes after police stopped a vehicle on Wensworth Rd early on Sunday afternoon. Two people ran from the vehicle and one was cornered at an address on Beeston Cres, Senior Sergeant Emiel Logan said.

Police used pepper spray and a Taser to try to arrest the offender.

The cornered man pointed what was believed to be a black pistol at one of the police officers, who backed off. The offender then fled the scene.

He had been tracked to an address on Russell Rd, but police were unable to find him. However, they received a slice of luck thanks to a resident in the area who had heard him rustling around beneath his home.

"As the dog handler was retracing his steps after a track, he's been approached by a member of the public here in McKean Ave who has informed him there is someone under his house, making some noises," Snr Sgt Logan said.

"Staff have gone to investigate that and have found a person who is calling out that he is trapped under the house.

"He has identified himself... He's been apprehended and taken into custody after being assisted out of where he was stuck by police."

Snr Sgt Logan said the man was believed to be the same one that pointed a gun at an officer. He confirmed the man did not need any medical attention.

Earlier, the armed offender squad was called to the scene.

Snr Sgt Logan said police didn't know why the offender ran or why he brandished a firearm.

The man will appear in Auckland District Court on Monday charged with escaping custody and presenting a firearm at law enforcement officers. More charges are likely to follow.

Police have thanked the Tamaki Makaurau community for assisting them in finding the man over the last five days. 

Newshub.