Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Taupō Police have arrested and charged ten people following an alleged gang-related disorder incident in the township last month.
On 5 July, Police were called to the altercation between rival gang members in the busy Taupō shopping centre.
A firearm was allegedly seen and presented but not discharged. The rival groups fled the area before police arrived.
Those arrested are aged between 16 and 31 and have been charged with offences including presenting a firearm, disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence and possession of an offensive weapon.
“This was a brazen act of violence that happened in a very public place where members of the community were simply trying to go about their business,” says Detective Sergeant Andy Livingstone.
“We’d like to reassure our community that any acts of violence involving ongoing tensions between gangs won’t be tolerated.”
Taupō Police would like to thank the community for their assistance during the investigation phase.
All of those arrested have made an initial court appearance in either the Taupō Youth or District Courts.
As these matters are now before the courts, Police has no further comment.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
