Police are gradually piecing together the sequence of events surrounding a shooting in the Tararua District and trying to build up a picture of the gunman.
Police initially received a complaint from a member of the public about bad driver behaviour. A police patrol vehicle stopped the car just north of Dannevirke and carried out a breath screening that the driver failed. At that point he made off from the police officer and there was a short pursuit but it was called off for public safety reasons and police briefly lost sight of the vehicle.
As the same officer reached Butcher's Creek he came across a minor car crash involving the offender's vehicle. The officer approached the vehicle and a man started to get out of the vehicle carrying a firearm. The officer ran back towards his vehicle and heard the shotgun discharged.
The offender then left on foot.
A short time later two farm workers came across a man with a shotgun on nearby land. The man suggested he was hunting rabbits and was advised by the farm workers that he should not be doing so. As the farm workers returned to their truck the shotgun was discharged towards them injuring one of the men in the shoulder. He is currently in hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police have carried out a search of the offender's car and the body of a man has been found in that car. Police are currently trying to confirm the identity of that man. Early information suggests it is not the offender but this is still to be confirmed and until police are able to confirm the identity the search continues and the cordons remain in place.
Public safety warnings remain in place. Residents are advised to stay inside, lock doors and stay away from windows. Residents are also asked make contact with vulnerable neighbours to check on welfare and issue them with the same advice. This should be done by phone and not in person as everyone is asked to remain inside their homes.
The offender is described as 46 years old, white European, about 170cms tall with a stocky build. He should not under any circumstances be approached and any sightings should be reported to police immediately.
Road diversions are in place for light vehicles only. If travelling north turn left at Norsewood Village into Ngamoko Road. Turn right into Ellison Road, then right into Snee Road. Follow Snee Road until you meet up again with SH2. Some of this route is gravel road and there are some narrow bridges. The reverse applies to people travelling south.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.