An investigation is underway after a firearm was discharged towards Police in Napier.
At around 10pm on Tuesday, a unit carrying out patrols attempted to stop a vehicle in the Pirimai Area.
Police initiated a pursuit after the vehicle failed to stop.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb says as the vehicle approached the intersection of Taradale Road and Coventry Avenue, a rear occupant of the vehicle leaned out and presented what was believed to be firearm.
"Staff have then heard two distinct gunshots as the firearm was discharged," he says.
"Fortunately, neither of our officers were injured and the patrol vehicle did not sustain any damage."
Some hours later the vehicle was detected travelling north on the Waikato Expressway towards Auckland.
The vehicle was later located at an address in Manurewa where it was seized.
Superintendent Lamb says occupants of this address are assisting Police with enquiries.
"Presenting a firearm at a Police officer is a serious escalation that puts our staff and the wider community at risk. This behaviour is entirely unacceptable. We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will be pursuing all lines of enquiry to locate the offender and hold them accountable."
The Police investigation has been ongoing today.
"Our colleagues in Counties Manukau are assisting us with a number of local enquiries," Superintendent Lamb says.
Police are asking any witnesses to last night's incident to come forward and assist the investigation.
You can contact Police on 105 or provide information online using the reference number 261111/3764.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
