West Auckland police have intensified their search for the male gunman who fired at a female dairy owner during an attempted armed robbery in New Lynn yesterday.
Detective Steve Norris says that about 2.20pm yesterday Saturday 26 July 2008, a sole male offender has entered the Lynnray dairy in Rua Road, New Lynn. He has presented a long barrelled firearm at the owner, a 46 year old Asian female.
"The offender has shot the dairy owner at a range of less than 1.5 metres while she was activating a hidden alarm."
"The weapon used by the offender is a long barrelled firearm and is similar in appearance to an air rifle or a .22 rifle. It has a regular stock wooden frame."
"Police have now issued security footage of the incident to media," he said.
"These images give a clear description of the offender so there will be someone who will know both his identity and his whereabouts. We hope these people come forward to tell us."
"We want this man and we want him caught quickly."
"He has shot his victim without warning and at close range."
"The chilling intent of his actions is clearly visible for all to see."
"If you know who this offender is please call the Henderson CIB on 09 839 0600 immediately."
"Henderson Police cordoned off the dairy overnight. A forensic examination of the area around the business premises has been completed this morning."
"The victim spent the night in hospital and this afternoon is having surgery for the wound to her left upper arm. Victim Support has been advised of her status and will offer assistance. Her family and friends are comforting her."
Police have issued a description of the offender.
Male Polynesian
Age - late teens or early 20's
Solid build - about 6 feet tall
Clothing - wearing blue and white plaid long sleeve shirt over the top of a long white tee-shirt. Wearing sun glasses
Has an Afro style haircut.
"This man ran from the dairy and left the scene in a waiting vehicle driven by a second person. There is no information available on who was driving this vehicle."
The vehicle is described as:
Ford / Mazda hatchback - possibly 1980's model
Identified as being - light blue in colour.
"Somebody will have seen this vehicle leaving the scene."
"This vehicle will have then travelled on West Coast Road, before heading in the direction of Glen Eden, at about 2.30pm," Detective Steve Norris said.
ENDS;
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 / Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz