Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland City CIB:
An investigation is underway into a road rage incident in which a firearm was discharged near St Lukes overnight.
Around 9.50pm two vehicles, a hatchback and minivan, were travelling citybound on the Southern Motorway when the road rage incident began.
The driver of the hatchback has taken exception to the minivan and has begun to drive in an aggressive manner.
Both vehicles have continued onto the North-Western Motorway and exited at St Lukes Road.
Around 10pm, near the intersection with Asquith Avenue, a firearm has been discharged towards the rear of the minivan. The offending hatchback has then fled the area.
A teenage girl sitting in the back of this vehicle has been struck and has sustained serious injuries as a result.
The minivan has stopped at a petrol station on Sandringham Road where Police were notified.
The teenager was transported to Auckland City Hospital where she is in a stable condition and not expected to require surgery.
Like our community, Police are appalled at the reckless violence exhibited towards innocent members of the public in this incident.
We have no tolerance for the disregard shown for other’s safety by the occupants of the hatchback.
The community can be assured that Police are taking this incident extremely seriously and our investigation team are working to hold those responsible to account.
Our investigation is still in the early stages, but we would like to hear from motorists travelling along the route who witnessed the initial incident at any stage.
If you can assist our investigation, please contact Police through our 105 phone service quoting the file number 230516/7840 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police will continue to provide updates as our investigation progresses.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Media advisory: Media are advised Police will likely be in a position to speak to media later today. Details will be provided once these are confirmed.
