A man and two women are in hospital this morning being treated for shotgun wounds following an incident in Palmerston North.
Police were called around 1.10am (Friday, 7 August) to reports of a shooting. At this stage the incident is believed to have occurred on a grassed area at the junction of Croyden Avenue and Farnham Avenue in the Highbury area of the town.
One 20-year-old woman from Hawkes Bay suffered minor shotgun pellet injuries. A 33-year-old man from Palmerston North and a 20-year-old woman from Palmerston North have suffered more serious shotgun injuries but none of the injuries are life-threatening. All three are receiving treatment in hospital.
Later in the morning AOS assisted in the arrest of a 27-year-old man at a house in Palmerston North. He has since been charged with three counts of discharging a firearm. More charges may follow. He will appear at Palmerston North District Court this afternoon.
It is believed that all of those involved are known to each other and it is likely the incident is gang-related.
Police want to hear from anyone with any information relevant to this investigation.
Detective Sergeant Simon Harrison said: "There is some suggestion that there was a fight or dispute around midnight in the same area, although there is no indication that this incident involved a firearm. This may be linked to the later shooting and we would like to hear from any residents or passers-by who saw or heard anything that may be relevant."
Witnesses are asked to contact Palmerston North CIB on 06 351 3600 or the Crime Line on 0800 808585.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.