As Western Waikato investigators carry out follow up enquiries Raglan Police are praising local residents for their prompt raising of the alarm following a firearms incident overnight.
Officer in charge of the Raglan Police Station, Sergeant Rob Pierce, said the incident happened on a farm near Te Uku about 4.40pm.
"Two gunshots were heard by a farmer who believed someone may have been attempting to steal some livestock.
"The farmer has immediately called 111 and provided Police with a description of a suspicious vehicle and the direction of travel, the sought of information vital for call takers at our communications centres."
Responding officers from Ngaruawahia saw a vehicle matching the suspect's car travelling east along Waingaro Rd and turned around to follow it.
"The driver sped into the Christian Youth Camp on the outskirts of Ngaruawahia and assistance was sought from additional units.
"Cordons were set around the camp and with the assistance of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad and the arrival of the Auckland based Police Eagle Helicopter, the site was cleared."
Mr Pierce said the offender's car, a Nissan Safari, was located stuck in mud in the camp along with two dead sheep and a firearm found nearby.
"An extensive search failed to locate the driver of the car however follow up enquiries are continuing today as we seek to locate people of interest to the case.
"In this case the land owner has done everything we could have asked of him, instead of confronting the offender he has raised the alarm and relayed vital information needed by first response staff."
Mr Pierce said last night's incident highlighted the value of rural Neighbourhood Support Groups and of the rural community working together to minimise crime in their area.
End