12 July 2008
A 44-year-old man will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court today in relation to an incident involving the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad near Whitianga yesterday.
Sergeant Andrew Morrison of the Whitianga Police said officers went to the Kuaotuna property after information was received that the man was in possession of two firearms.
"These were .303 and .22 calibre rifles and the offender is alleged to have made threats towards an associate over the phone."
Armed Offender Squad members established a cordon around the property about 4pm and appeals were made for the man to surrender but to no avail.
Tear gas rounds were discharged and armed Police searched the dwelling however the man was not found and the cordon remained in place while further searches were carried out.
"About 6.50pm he was located after coming out of hiding near the house and arrested," said Mr Morrison.
"Appearing in court today he has been charged was possession of the two firearms however these weapons are yet to be recovered."
End