An armed Police presence in Eltham today has resulted in an arrest.
Police received an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers shortly before 11:30am that the driver of a ute had presented a firearm to a member of the public on State Highway 3 near Hawera.
There were no reports that the firearm was discharged.
Taranaki Area Commander Inspector Mark Miller says local Police then immediately began enquiries, following leads provided by the anonymous reporter.
A ute matching the one described was seen at a Stanners Road property in Eltham.
“As a precaution, given previous mention of a firearm, local staff responded armed, and the Armed Offenders Squad was also notified,” Inspector Miller says.
Cordons were put in place on nearby roads, while Police worked to locate people of interest at the address.
The original driver in the ute on State Highway 3 was arrested at the property around 2pm for driving while disqualified.
The 30 year old is due in Hāwera District Court on 18 August for driving while disqualified.
Other occupants were also detained, and enquiries are ongoing relating to the firearm.
Inspector Miller says matters were resolved without incident, and Police would like to thank the community for their patience while they worked to locate these individuals and took them safely into custody.
