Emergency services went to Featherston on Saturday afternoon after reports of a gun were fired at a car as it was expelled from the supermarket parking lot.
Photo: Google Maps
Two men were accused of murder after the death of a man in Wairarapa on Saturday in a daylight.
Men, 23 and 25, must attend the Wellington District Court tomorrow.
A man died on Saturday after being found in a vehicle with a bullet injury. The discovery came after the report of a shot or shots fired at a vehicle as it was expelled from a supermarket in the city of Wairarapa, Featherston, sending emergency services running to the site around 4 pm that day.
Police said on Sunday night that men may face more accusations.
“Our investigation continues, with a focus to establish what other parts may be involved in the incident.
“However, we can say that the police believe this involved known parts with each other without any continuous risk to the public.”
On Saturday, police closed three different sections of State Highway 2 – in Featherston, Cartion and Kaitoke of Upper Hutt (across Remutaka Hill road) before police closed in another vehicle and arrested two men.
Local MP condemns violence
The deadly shooting in Wairarapa is “abominance,” but the community will come together, says a local deputy.
The National Party deputy for Wirarapa Mike Butterick said the community was “horrified” by the unacceptable “violence” in a busy public place.
“There were several shots fired in Featherston. It was on a Saturday – there were many people – and we are extremely lucky that there are no other damage or death caused,” Butterick said.
Police did not believe the shooting was a random event, Butterick said, but could not confirm if he was related to gangs.
Deputy Wirarapa Mike Butterick, sheep and farm meat near Masterton.
Photo: National Party/ Hagen Hopkins
“It’s hard to put in words, right? It’s disgusting, it’s completely unacceptable and – you know – pull your bloody heads and how about thinking about being a good citizen and contributing to your community, because that’s a much better thing to do,” Butterick said.
The community had a difficult time recently, with a series of arsons in local churches on February 22, and a fatal accident between a vehicle and a four -person rental bike in Martinborough on March 13.
“We are a very strong community. We gather in times like this,” said Butterick.
“It was hard, but these things don’t define us. They don’t define who we are. It’s a very special part of New Zealand – it has a lot to offer – and it’s unfortunate that we seem to have these things from time to time.”
Police said people in Wairarapa should expect to see more police officers in the community in the coming days as events around man’s death are investigated.
Carteron mayor Ron Mark previously told RNZ that police believe the shooting was targeted, and there was no broader public threat, although he said it was that understandable residents found the alarming incident.
Police said they believe that there are people who know more about the events around Saturday’s shooting and want to hear from those who know more or witness what happened and have not talked to them yet.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the police by calling 105 or through the on -line update report page at 105.poLe.govt.nz, and to cite reference 250322/8281 and ‘Ascot Operation’.
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