Police seek 'vehicle of interest' in Avondale shooting case

It could be at a vehicle painting business.
It could be at a vehicle painting business. Photo credit: Supplied / Getty.

Police are seeking sightings of a "vehicle of interest" in their investigation into the death of a man in Auckland last weekend.

Twenty-eight-year-old Mars Rakeem was found dead on Saturday after being shot at a property in the suburb of Avondale. Two people have since been charged in relation to the death, including a 24-year-old who is accused of murder, drug supply and firearms-related offences. 

Police are now appealing for information on the whereabouts of a white Mercedes C-63 Saloon with the registration NGQ689. 

"Police believe the vehicle may be at, or may have been taken into, a vehicle painting or vehicle wrapping company and are appealing to automotive businesses for any sightings of this vehicle," Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid said.

He says while two people have been arrested, police cannot rule out further people being charged.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 211002/1241.

"You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Police want to reassure the community that Mr Rakeem’s tragic death is being treated as an isolated incident and a person has already been charged with murder in relation to this case."

Police were called to the incident on Saintly Lane just before 4:30am last Saturday after shots were heard. The road was cordoned off while police, including armed offenders squad members, cleared a residential property.