Subj : Appeal for witnesses after machete, gun incident near hospital
To   : All
From : News
Date : Thu May 02 2024 12:55 pm

Police are appealing for the public's help after an altercation just outside
Wellington Hospital yesterday ended with a gun being fired.


Nobody was injured in the incident, a spokesperson said yesterday - but
police today revealed more details of the violent confrontation.


"At 5.07pm yesterday evening, an altercation outside a motor lodge opposite
the entrance of the hospital on Riddiford St took place where a person was
threatened with a machete by the driver of a white Ford Ranger," a
spokesperson said.


"The person threatened retrieved a firearm from nearby and, along with an
associate, got into a grey Mitsubishi Colt driving into the hospital carpark
opposite the emergency department entrance.


"They then drove the wrong way up the main vehicle exit stopping outside the
main hospital entrance at 5.16pm where the Ford Ranger was now parked.


"A further confrontation occurred between the occupants of the two vehicles
before a firearm was discharged towards the Ford Ranger."


After the shooting, those involved immediately left the scene.


Police urged anyone who saw what happened or who saw the vehicles in the area
to call 105.


"The incident occurred in a very busy public place and a number of witnesses
including hospital visitors and taxis were close by at the time," the
spokespersons said.


"Initial indications suggest those involved were known to each other and
there is not an immediate threat to the wider public.

"Those involved have not been located at this stage and police are following
positive lines of enquiry.


"A scene guard is in place outside the motor lodge and there will be an
increased police presence in the area to provide reassurance to the
community."

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