Hunting of the accused police shooter in Mount Maunganui

Police are searching for a man who allegedly shot at police this morning in Mount Maunganui.

The man, believed to be Aren Curtis, 31, was driving a black Audi and did not stop for police on Truman Ave around 3 a.m.

Curtis has multiple arrest warrants for failing to appear in court.

The vehicle was stopped by spikes in the road on Seaspray Drive, the driver escaped on foot, allegedly shooting at police pursuing him.

No one was injured as a result.

Mike Dobbs, who lives in the area, said he heard sirens around 3 a.m. and then, when he got up at 4:30 a.m., a police helicopter was flying over Arataki.

“There were two police officers with rifles in a cordon at the corner of Seaspray Drive and Grenada St,” he said.

“They asked me where I was going and I told them I was going to work. They said they were looking for a person of interest and they asked if they could search my truck. I said ‘go ahead’ and they lit some torches in the back. Then they sent me off. on my way. “

Dobbs said it was scary to think of someone fleeing in his neighborhood, particularly knowing that his partner and children were sleeping at home.

“However, we have a puppy, it will start barking if someone slips away.”

A nearby resident said they were at the Caltex gas station at 3 a.m. and saw a vehicle go by.

“Both front tires were flat, no rubber, just rims, they were being chased. I think he or they left the car on Seaspray Drive, running from something.

A person on Matavai St said there are several police officers and emergency vehicles in the area.

“We count 10 of them at 5.30 am when we take my husband to mahi, there is an ambo [sic] and two carriages parked in the Bayfair car park. “

A person who lives near the corner of Seaspray Dr and Grenada St said he had no idea that police were chasing a gunman this morning.

“I didn’t hear anything until the end, when they packed up,” they said.

The cordons have been removed and there is a greater police presence in the area.

Anyone who can help can call 111 or contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, quoting the event number P045870211.