One of two men arrested in relation to an Armed Offenders' Squad callout in Whangarei is facing a charge of attempted murder.
Harley Whaanga, 26, of Willow Pl, appeared in the Whangarei District Court yesterday and did not enter a plea to charges of attempted murder, one of theft of a motor vehicle and another of arson.
On Tuesday police responded to reports of gun shots on Willow Pl and cordoned off Maunu Road from Western Hills Drive and Ngahere Drive about 1.50pm. The police investigation continues but it is believed the incident started as a dispute between two parties and escalated into more serious violence.
Judge Duncan Harvey remanded Whaanga in custody to appear in the High Court at Whangarei on December 18 for a bail application.
A second person, Liam Lomas, 20, is facing one charge of unlawful possession of a pistol. He did not enter a plea and was released on bail to reappear in Whangarei District Court on December 18.