16 Oct 2025

Man arrested after allegedly shooting someone, fleeing police in Tauranga

2:11 pm on 16 October 2025
A police car

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A man with a gun who allegedly shot at someone at a Tauranga address, and fled over 15 kilometres from police, has been arrested and charged.

Officers were called to a home on Sabana Place in Bethlehem around 8.10am on Thursday, after report of someone being shot.

The suspect fled, and was initially pursued by police.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the pursuit was abandoned when the suspect's driving behaviour deteriorated.

"CCTV cameras were used to track the car and get units in place to spike it without increasing the risk to the public or Police," he said.

The car was eventually successfully spiked on the Strand in central Tauranga.

The man came out of the vehicle holding a gun and had refused to put down the weapon.

The 36-year-old was eventually taken into custody after officers used non-lethal sponge rounds and a taser.

He has been charged with firearms and driving offences and is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court next week.

A scene examination continues at Sabana Place and there will be an increased police presence in the area.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the events, or who has dashcam of the incident.

Please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "update report", or by calling 105. Please reference the number P064138790.

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