Witnesses are helping police to piece together events in Palmerston North last night during which shots were fired. It is believed however that there are other witnesses who have yet to speak to police and people locally who clearly know what was behind the shooting.
The incident happened about 7.20pm this evening shortly after a local man pulled up at The Mill liquor store in Grey Street in his four wheel drive vehicle. He was standing just outside of the premises near a second man when two shots were fired.
No one was hurt but the waddings from two shotgun shells have been discovered near the entrance to the liquor store and pellet holes have been found in the store's sign.
The man from the four wheel drive vehicle who police believe was the focus of last night's events has refused to make any complaint or provide a police statement.
Witness information so far has suggested that around 7.20 a dark stationwagon pulled to the kerb by The Mill and shots were fired from the passenger window. The car had at least two people on board. After the shots were fired the car immediately drove off and turned left in to Carroll Street towards Featherston Street.
Police particularly want to trace the owner of a white Ute, possibly with a company logo on the side that was parked in The Mill car park, and any other visitors to either The Mill or the nearby United Video store. They are also keen to hear from anyone in or around Grey Street or Carroll Street who saw the dark stationwagon, probably driving at speed.
Detective Sergeant Simon Harrison said: "It is clear that all those involved in this incident know what is behind it, and it is important for people with information to put public safety before loyalty and speak to us. Information can be provided to us confidentially via our Crimeline and will be treated in the strictest of confidence."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Andrew Livingstone on 06 351 3680 or the Palmerston North Crimeline 0800 808585.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.