Eight people have been taken into custody following a gang-related incident involving weapons in Tauranga this morning.
"Police responded to reports of disorder on Maunganui Road near the roundabout with Golf Road and Hewlett's Road, around 9.30am today, involving two different groups of gang members," says a police spokesperson.
"Some of those involved were carrying weapons.
"Several people dispersed upon Police arrival.
"Police transported one person to hospital with serious injuries and multiple others received minor injuries.
"Three people aged between 17 and 25 were arrested on charges of aggravated robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, and assault.
"Another five people aged between 25 and 40, have been taken into custody on charges of fighting in a public place and possession of offensive weapons.
"Seven of those arrested will be appearing in the Tauranga District Court, and the 17-year-old will appear in Youth Court.
"Further enquiries are continuing.
"The behaviour of these groups is not acceptable, unlawful gang behaviour will not be tolerated and will be met with firm enforcement action."
A SunLive reader who was at the scene this morning says they saw a fight happening on Maunganui Road.
"There were about eight gang members. They headed onto the road creating conflict with another gang," says the SunLive reader.
"They had hidden a machete used in the fight in a rubbish bin as well as using some road signs to smash a ute's windows in as well.
"Other witnesses stated they heard gunshots and bullet holes in the ute too but this was towed before I could confirm."
"We encourage our communities to report any incidents of disorder immediately to 111," says a police spokesperson.
"If you have any footage, witnessed the incident or have any information that may assist Police in our investigation, please contact Police on 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report and reference file number 230621/6004.
"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."
7 comments
amazing
Posted on 21-06-2023 16:32 | By usandthem
The most amazing thing about this is that the cops actually showed up.
Gang behaviour is absolutely tolerated!
Posted on 21-06-2023 16:33 | By jed
"unlawful gang behaviour will not be tolerated" I beg to differ. Gang behaviour is tolerated by police almost every weekend in Mt Maunganui. Police should impound every motor bike that is above the noise limit! Yet, every weekend we are forced to put up with the roar of gang motorcycles screaming around town.
get it right
Posted on 21-06-2023 16:43 | By usandthem
Do you guys get anything right?First it was near Hull rd and Hewletts Rd,then it was Maunganui Rd near Hewletts and Golf Rd.It actually happened on Maunganui Rd near Bain St,opposite Mc Donalds,
Hmmm
Posted on 21-06-2023 17:47 | By Let's get real
Everyone, particularly the gangs, know that there aren't enough police available to deal with trouble. Even dropping the requirements to become a police officer hasn't resulted in enough numbers to deal with the increase in domestic violence and gang membership.
“Not be tolerated”
Posted on 21-06-2023 18:24 | By Shocking!
Would be good to see more of this enforced!!! I get we are short of police, but when do we say enough is enough that gangs can freely do as they please? They regularly gather in a large enough group of cars/bikes to block driveways and access to side roads and do burnouts and party up in the middle of a main road and side road for a full day - with zero police presence… and yes calls were lodged to police.
Matakana
Posted on 21-06-2023 18:58 | By Andrew64
Round them up. Arm them up. Pop them on the ferry and leave them to it.
Easy Solution.
Posted on 22-06-2023 10:18 | By Justin T.
There is a gang that can solve the whole problem and they are legally allowed to carry weapons and can be authorized legally with the stroke of a pen. Marshall law, bring in the ARMY.
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