Firearms recovered after reckless driving
A gang associate is facing serious charges after firearms were recovered following a fleeing driver incident overnight.
Night shift staff working in east Auckland sighted a vehicle linked to a wanted person travelling along Ellerslie-Panmure Highway just after 1am.
Inspector Jim Wilson, Area Commander for Auckland City East Police, says the vehicle was signalled to stop near Karangahape Road.
“It immediately accelerated away from the unit and the Air Support Unit took over monitoring the vehicle’s direction of travel,” he says.
“The vehicle was driven erratically further west towards Point Chevalier.”
Eagle observed the vehicle stop at a property on Moa Road.
“The driver allegedly handed a bag to a passenger who got out of the vehicle, before he accelerated away from the address,” Inspector Wilson says.
Police did not pursue the vehicle but continued to track its movements.
“On several occasions the driver has been observed driving extremely dangerously through parts of central Auckland and Balmoral, before heading east again.”
Spikes were successfully deployed near Greenlane.
Inspector Wilson says the vehicle carried on until losing control in Saint Johns.
“The incident came to an end at the intersection of Saint Johns and College Roads, with the driver taken into custody shortly afterward.”
Police also caught up with the woman who exited the vehicle in Point Chevalier, who was carrying a bag with two firearms and ammunition inside.
“As a result, we have recovered a pump action shot gun and a cut down .22 calibre rifle along with ammunition for both firearms,” Inspector Wilson says.
Police have laid a host of charges against the 30-year-old man driving the vehicle, who is an associate of the Comancheros.
He will appear in the Auckland District Court today facing multiple firearms offences, along with reckless driving and failing to stop.
The 29-year-old passenger had a number of unrelated warrants to arrest, and she will be appearing in court today.
Inspector Wilson says: “The driver’s reckless behaviour this morning is totally unacceptable, and it is pleasing he will now have his day in court.
“This is a great outcome for the community, with more firearms taken out of circulation and highlights great teamwork by Police working on night shift.”
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
At just 8 years old, Nina-Mae already has Wellington Council listening! 👏
She’s speaking up for safer roads for her and her classmates—fuelled by a desire for independence and maybe even a budding interest in politics.
So here’s the big question: how do we create space for every voice in our community to be heard?
It’s great that the Council is paying attention 👂 but what small actions can we all take to keep our whole community involved and engaged?
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