Attribute to: Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Will Loughrin
A man has been arrested this morning after a firearm was presented at a Rotorua Police officer yesterday.
Police staff first noticed a vehicle being driven dangerously through Rotorua yesterday at approximately 3pm.
Approximately 30 minutes later the driver allegedly pointed a sawn-off shotgun at a Police officer in the Owhata area, and continued driving.
Enquiries then determined the driver was a person wanted in relation to breaching release conditions.
This prompted a significant Police response involving the Armed Offenders Squad, Tactical Dog teams and Police Eagle helicopter.
A general arming order for staff was put in place shortly after in the Rotorua area due to the potential risk to our staff.
Police efforts to locate the man centred on the Owhata area. Officers were in the area for several hours, however he was not located at the time.
Further enquiries throughout the evening led Police to locating a man on a motorbike at 1.40am in Owhata. He was taken into custody with the assistance of the Tactical Dog team.
“Keeping both our people and the community safe is paramount.
“This was a real concern for us yesterday as anyone that presents a firearm at Police officers clearly has no regard for public safety. I want to acknowledge our staff who worked quickly and carefully to effect an arrest in this matter.
“Our officer and other staff are receiving welfare support.”
The general arming order was lifted after the man was taken into custody.
Enquiries are continuing and charges are pending.