Child's bedroom window shattered in gang-related shooting in Wairoa
A child’s bedroom window was destroyed by a shotgun blast, with glass strewn throughout, in the latest gang-related incident in Wairoa.
Tairawhiti Area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Moorhouse said it was simply good luck that the child was not present in the room at the time.
"The actions of these perpetrators demonstrate a clear intent to cause harm and a total disregard for life, community safety and the law".
The incident was one of two recent shootings in the town in recent days.
"We are frustrated to be now investigating gang-related shootings at a Sydney Street address and Clyde Street address within days of each other in Wairoa."
“A man received serious leg injuries in a drive-by shooting at the Sydney St address and, in the most recent shooting at the Clyde St address, a child’s bedroom window was destroyed by a shotgun blast and glass strewn throughout the child’s bedroom,” he said.
He says police have found that in the latest two shootings, several people had heard the gunshots and not reported them.
"We are very concerned that a measure of apathy or acceptance may be creeping into the mindsets of our communities and would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that these types of incidents are not OK, and should not be accepted by anyone," Moorhouse said.
“Police have recently concluded Operation Aardwolf in Tairāwhiti, which involved a homicide investigation where an innocent woman lost her life after being shot in a public place,” Moorhouse said.
He was referring to Maraea Smith, also known as Maraea Turnbull, who was shot and killed on her 36th birthday in a suburban street in Gisborne on March 25.
He strongly encouraged people to call police immediately on 111 if they hear or see anything concerning in their neighbourhood. Alternatively, anyone who has information that may assist with the enquiries can anonymously provide information through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
