Police are looking for witnesses who may have seen an armed man chasing another person with a firearm in Wairoa yesterday.
Ihaka Paul was the subject of an armed incident yesterday when he was seen running with a firearm down Marine Parade at around midday yesterday chasing another man. Paul was later arrested last night at a house in Frasertown after a stand-off with police.
Police say a confrontation occurred around midday on Marine Parade in Wairoa in the central business area between Paul and another person. Paul chased the man down Marine Parade toward Locke St. Near the intersection with Locke St Paul allegedly produced a firearm and threatened another person in a car. That person was not the same one he had earlier chased.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw the incident or who may have been involved in that.
Paul appeared in the Hastings District Court today on several charges. He was remanded in custody until 1 March to reappear in the Hastings court.
The charges relate to yesterday’s incident and another on January 29 in Hastings where he allegedly pointed a firearm at family members and threatened them. More charges may be pending.
Yesterday’s incident brought Wairoa and nearby Frasertown to a standstill and local police there wanted to thank members of the public who helped in apprehending Paul.
Senior Sergeant Tony Bates said police received some timely and valuable information that helped in capturing Paul.
“These people realised the risk Paul was to himself and others and willingly provided us with information. There were others though who did not appreciate this risk and criticised those who did come forward. We are grateful to those responsible people who did help us to resolve the situation without anyone being hurt,” Mr Bates said.
Those who were involved in the midday incident in Wairoa with Paul yesterday or who witnessed it should contact Detective Sergeant Danny Kirk at Wairoa Police on 06 8383513.
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Any media queries to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 06 8310786 or 027 2223638.