Browns Bay Police have made a breakthrough in their hunt for two unidentified males wanted for the drive by shooting of an 80 year old woman in Inverness Road, on the North Shore last week.
Two youths have been arrested and charged. They are both aged 18 years.
Police went to Inverness Road at 10.50am on Monday 3 December 2007 after a male witness reported a shot had been fired at an elderly woman in the street.
At the scene Police found the elderly victim with a wound in her back caused by a projectile, shot from a BB air gun or other similar weapon. The shot was fired from a passing vehicle in which there were two unidentified males.
Sergeant Grant Hand - Officer in Charge at Browns Bay says the recent police publicity surrounding the hunt for a Red Mazda Estima, and a BB air gun, struck an accord with the mother of one of the two offenders, yesterday.
"While reading about the incident online she identified the vehicle and air gun as belonging to her 18 year old son. She confronted him about his involvement. After his explanation the mother decided to personally escort her son to police. He was then arrested. A second co-offender has since been identified, and he's been similarly arrested and charged today."
"Police applaud the mother for her responsible decision and actions. There are instances where parents take a no-nonsense approach if a member of their immediate or extended family breaks the law. This is excellent example."
"The consequences are that both youths now face serious charges under the Arms Act 1983 of Recklessly Discharging an Air Gun."
"The penalty for this offending is Three Years Imprisonment OR a maximum Four Thousand Dollar Fine."
"The two youths are feeling remorseful. They have co-operated with Police."
"The elderly victim has been notified of the arrests and is grateful to Police."
"The level of support given to Police across the entire community spectrum has been phenomenal. We express our gratitude to the media for their assistance, to the public and to staff members of New Zealand Police, who provided us with valuable information on possible suspects and vehicles."
"Both youths are Warehouse Assistants. One is from Paremoremo and the other Northcross. They are jointly charged to appear in the North Shore District Court on Thursday. Both are on bail."
"In these festive days prior to Christmas, it's timely to urge families and others to be considerate of the welfare and well being of our elders, especially those who prefer to be independent and currently live alone," Sergeant Hand said.
ENDS:
___________________________________________________________________
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
Telephone [09] 488 9758
Mobile 027 281 0271