Lower Hutt Police including the Armed Offenders Squad are searching for a man who fled after pointing a handgun at a police officer during a routine vehicle stop in Naenae this morning.
Inspector Geoff Gwyn said the officer was shaken but unhurt. The offender then fled on foot leaving his vehicle behind.
About 40 police including the Armed Offenders Squad are investigating, including executing a series of search warrants across the Wellington and Hutt Valley region, to find the man.
Inspector Gwyn said the incident happened about 9.30am today as a police officer pulled the vehicle over in a routine stop in Rata Street, Naenae. A man got out of his car, pointed a handgun at the officer and fled the scene.
Inspector Gwyn said searches are being made at properties which police knew to be linked with the offender. "We believe we know who we are dealing with," he said.
One search has already been made at a Butler Street property in Naenae. The man has yet to be caught.
Ends
Released by Kaye Calder
Senior Media Adviser: PNHQ Public Affairs
Tel 04 460 2986 or 027 241 6305