A witness said there were multiple armed police near Wairoa Bridge and more near the Palmers on Moffat Rd.
A police media spokeswoman said there was a report of a driving complaint on Carmichael Rd which resulted in the arrest of a personpolice had been seeking.
He is in custody, she said.
A staff member at Four Square Bethlehem said about seven to eight police cars and an ambulance sped past the shop about 9.30am with lights and sirens on.
