19 Jan 2020

Man arrested in relation to firearms incident in Ruatoria

11:55 am on 19 January 2020

A 49-year-old man has been arrested in relation to a firearms incident in Ruatoria yesterday.

Police generic

File photo. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police were called out at 9.20am after reports of shots fired on McClutchie Road.

Before police arrived, a number of vehicles left the area at speed, one of which crashed on Waiomatatini Road a short time later.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Ford said police would like to talk to anyone who witnessed this crash.

The arrested man is expected to appear at Gisborne District Court tomorrow, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Residents have been told to expect a heightened police presence in the area as inquiries continue.

Police are asking anyone with information that may help the investigation to contact them on 105.