The 21-year-old alleged offender will appear in Rotorua District Court on 24 January. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A man has been charged with shooting numerous people, including a boy on a Scouts-organised rubbish pick-up, with a gel gun.
The attack on the 11-year-old happened on 1 November on Pererika Street in Rotorua. The attacker fired the gun - typically used for recreational battles - from a passing car, hitting the boy in the face.
"Fortunately the injuries suffered by the young boy were not serious, but it was a distressing incident for him and his mum, and for the other children who were nearby at the time," Detective Sergeant Richard Lang said on Wednesday.
Two others were shot at in similar circumstances the day before, police said.
"I'm pleased for all concerned that we have been able to hold someone to account for this senseless behaviour."
The 21-year-old alleged offender has been charged with three counts of discharging a firearm in or near a place/dwelling and one charge of behaving threateningly, and will appear in Rotorua District Court on 24 January.
