Armed police swarmed a busy central Auckland street after reports of a man carrying a firearm in upmarket Herne Bay.
A bystander described a sudden mass arrest by police on Karangahape Rd this afternoon, saying officers were pointing guns at a vehicle.
A police spokesperson said about 1.30pm, information was received that a man was carrying a firearm on Hamilton Rd, Herne Bay.
“A police camera operator observed the man getting into a vehicle and tracked it travelling along Jervois Rd.”
An armed traffic stop was then conducted by police on Karangahape Rd.
“As the traffic stop was being carried out, a passenger ran from the vehicle and attempted to get into a vehicle passing by,” police said.
“Our staff prevented this from occurring and arrested the 35-year-old man, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.”
Two other occupants of the vehicle, a man and woman aged 30, were arrested without incident.
On searching the vehicle, police said they had recovered a paintball gun.
“Charges are being considered for what has unfolded this afternoon,” police said.
A bystander told the Herald about seven police vehicles had blocked traffic on the busy Karangahape Rd, with officers pointing firearms at the vehicle in question.
“The police were pointing the guns at the car.
“I think it might have been the end of a police chase from what I can tell.”
'One of those present was reported to be in possession of a handheld weapon,' police said.