An Arrest Warrant has been issued for James Triple M Ford, a male Maori, wanted by Masterton Police in connection with the shooting of another man in the town on Tuesday night.
The Arrest Warrant is for a variety of charges including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Wounding with Intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm, Kidnapping and Possession of Ammunition.
Detective Sergeant Mark McHattie, head of Wairarapa Area CIB, says Ford is considered to be armed and dangerous.
"We believe he has a P habit and his actions suggest a fragile mindset," Detective Sergeant McHattie says.
Ford, who is aged 44 years, is a male Maori, of medium to solid build, and is short in height at 154cm. He has prolific facial tattoos, long dark hair, and normally has a moustache.
He should not be approached, but any sightings reported immediately to the nearest police station.
Police were first alerted to the shooting about 7.45am yesterday when a nurse walking home from work heard a man's cries for help from a creek bed. The nurse investigated and found the victim had firearms injuries to a leg. He'd been hiding in the creek area for most of the night.
The man, whose name has not been released, is recovering in Wellington Hospital.
Detective Sergeant McHattie says several search warrants were executed at local Masterton addresses throughout yesterday with the assistance of members from the Police Armed Offenders Squad and valuable evidence was located. Inquiries continued through the night and further information obtained which lead police to believe that Ford was responsible for the shooting.
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Media contact: D Sgt Mark McHattie, Wairarapa Area CIB, tel 06 370 0372