Man accused of carrying fake gun through Auckland street
A man has been arrested in West Auckland for allegedly carrying an imitation firearm after a primary school had gone into lockdown.
A police spokesperson said they responded to the suburb of Avondale about 2pm after a report of a man in possession of a firearm in the Great North Rd area.
The spokesperson said they located a 23-year-old man shortly afterwards near St Georges Rd, where he was arrested.
The man will be facing a charge in relation to unlawfully carrying an imitation firearm, according to police.
Deputy principal of Avondale Primary School, Jan Scoulding, confirmed the school had gone into lockdown at 2.13pm after receiving a phone call from police.
“Minutes afterwards Police confirmed there was no threat to our school, and the lockdown was lifted,” Scoulding said in a statement.
Police arrested a 23-year-old man in Avondale and he is likely to face imitation firearm charges. Photo / NZME
“We would like to reassure our community that throughout the lockdown all school procedures were followed.
“Our staff responded promptly and professionally, and all students and staff were safe and accounted for at all times.
“While these situations can be unsettling, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
She also thanked the school community for their understanding and support.
This comes about two months after a group of youths were seen brandishing what appeared to be guns towards people at Botany Town Centre in East Auckland.
At the time, police conducted an armed response and later located the gun, which was confirmed to be a plastic imitation gel blaster, with a second found in a backpack belonging to one of the youths.
Earlier this month, an 18-year-old man allegedly pulled out an imitation firearm in Whangārei, with police saying he “presented” it to a member of the public.
Police said they saw him later on a blue dirt bike, where he took off after seeing police.
He was later arrested and charged with behaving threateningly, driving while suspended and presenting a thing likely to be believed to be a prohibited firearm at a person.
The man appeared in Whangārei District Court on June 15.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
