Police arrest man following shooting, pursuit in Whangārei

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Northland Police have arrested a man following an incident in Whangārei on Wednesday where a man allegedly fired shots at police after failing to stop.

Police said it found a 24-year-old man at a Whangārei address on Wednesday evening and he was taken into custody.

This man will appear in the Whangārei District Court on Thursday and will face a number of charges, including firearms offences.

Northland District Commander Supt Tony Hill said the shots fired didn't hit the patrol vehicle and no officers were injured.

The incident happened at 2:13am on Tuesday while police were conducting a checkpoint on Te Hononga Street in Otangarei, Whangārei. A vehicle with two occupants pulled in, but the male driver drove off before an officer could speak to him.

Police followed the vehicle, but when it failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

"Shortly after the driver of the vehicle fired a shot into the air, the vehicle then stopped shortly after, and the driver fired a number of shots at the Police unit from the vehicle," Supt Hill said.

The officer then called for backup and the Armed Offenders Squad was called in.

Supt Hill said police aren't looking for anyone else in relation to this incident at this stage.

He added that police in the Whangārei area are no longer carrying firearms.  

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