One man is dead and another in a critical condition after a shooting incident near Nelson overnight.
About 11.20pm yesterday Nelson Police were notified that a 30 year-old man had been shot in the upper body at a house in Tapawera by another male.
Armed Offenders Squad members and a paramedic were flown by helicopter to the scene and the shooting victim was taken to Nelson Hospital. He has since been transferred to Wellington in a serious but stable condition.
The offender had left the address in a vehicle and Police set up cordons and started a manhunt.
Tasman Police District Commander Superintendent Gary Knowles said at about 3.30am the offender’s vehicle was seen and followed. The vehicle stopped in a driveway and shortly after three shots were heard.
When Police approached the vehicle they discovered the driver deceased. He had self-inflicted gunshot wounds to his upper body and face. A shotgun and a high powered hunting rifle were recovered from the vehicle.
The deceased is a 58 year-old Tapawera man who is related to the victim. His name has not yet been released.
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Media enquiries: Tasman Police Communications Manager 0274780853