24 Dec 2024

Man taken into custody after threatening Auckland shop staff with gun

7:51 pm on 24 December 2024
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Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after threatening staff with a gun at a shop in South Auckland.

Police had made enquiries to find the man in Papakura before a person matching the description was sighted back at the same premises on Wood Street around two hours later.

The man was found and taken into custody just after 5.30pm.

The firearm was not discharged and no one was injured.

A Foodstuffs spokesperson said the offender was apprehended at New World Papakura but they believed the incident may have taken place at a nearby business.

No staff or member of the public at New World Papakura was threatened, they said.

The supermarket was evacuated for about 20 minutes.

The 19-year-old is due to appear in Manukau District Court on Thursday, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and threats to kill.