A man who fled police and was later arrested in the Karamu Stream was one of two men apprehended in relation to the drive-by shooting in West Quay during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Superintendent Jeanette Park, Eastern District Commander said they believe the two males are closely connected to the incident involving the discharge of a firearm at West Quay outside a number of licensed premises around 12:30am.

A man standing outside the bar sustained an injury to his hand and a bar staff member sustained an injury to their groin. Both received medical treatment for moderate to serious injuries, and one remains in hospital in a stable condition. 

The incident resulted in an increased police presence around the region, and the temporary carriage of firearms for staff across Hawke's Bay – a decision which is reviewed daily.

Just over 24 hours later, officers attempted to stop a vehicle on Te Ara Kahikatea, in the Hastings suburb of Whakatu, about 1.30am this morning. 

Park said two men were apprehended following a short pursuit near Whakatu. The pair abandoned the vehicle they were in and fled on foot.

One man entered Karamu Stream and was subsequently retrieved by Police.

He was taken to hospital in a moderate condition and assessed and discharged.

These two men are assisting Police with their enquiries into the shooting incident, although no charges have been filed at this stage, Park said.

"Police continue to follow positive lines of enquiry including working their way through a significant quantity of CCTV footage.

"There are a number of outstanding enquiries to complete in relation to this incident, and staff continue to investigate other potentially connected events."

Police said on Sunday that five men in a vehicle had driven up to the bar after an earlier altercation and fired shots at a group of people, who appeared to be known to them, standing outside. 

Park said they recognise that this is a concerning incident for the Hawkes Bay community and will maintain the temporary carriage of firearms for staff - a decision that is being reviewed daily.

The investigation team has spoken with both victims of the incident and the owners of licensed premises in West Quay to keep them appraised of the on-going investigation.

"We are also communicating with senior members of Hawke’s Bay gangs, as well as our partners in the community, in an effort to re-establish calm," Park said.

"Police is committed to holding those people who are committing violent crime in our community to account." 

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident on West Quay outside licensed premises including The Thirsty Whale, Gin Trap and Paddy’s Irish Bar, or the confrontation between rival gang members prior to shots being discharged is encouraged to contact Police.

If you have any information or video footage which may assist, please phone Police on 105 and quote Operation West Quay and/or file number 210301/4406.

Alternatively, you can phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more free local news head to www.hbapp.co.nz

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