Police investigating a shooting which occurred on Christmas Eve are seeking witnesses to the incident who may be able to help with the investigation.
On 24 December 2014 a group of young men around the age of 18 were drinking alcohol at the Maraetai Wharf at around 4pm.
They left this area and drove towards Whitford in a stolen silver Nissan Teana. While on the Maraetai-Whitford Road the vehicle has pulled over and an altercation has occurred in the vehicle which resulted in a 17 year old man receiving a serious gunshot wound requiring surgery.
An 18 year old man has since been arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police are looking for anyone who may have seen the group at the Maraetai Wharf or while driving along the Whitford-Maraetai Road between 4pm and 6pm.
“We expect that due to the time of day there would have been a number of people travelling this road toward Beachlands, Whitford or Maraetai, who may have seen this group pulled over on the side of the road,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Darrell Harpur. “One man got out of the vehicle while the rest of the occupants of the vehicle took the victim to the Takanini Accident and Emergency Centre.
“We would like to hear from anyone who saw this group at any point while in Maraetai or while driving along the Whitford-Maraetai Road. Someone may have seen a man with a backpack or a firearm on the side of the road and we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen that.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Operation Lavender investigation team on 09 261 1300 or to provide information anonymously contact the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 192 0717