Armed police swarm Porirua suburbs near Wellington, roads blocked, man arrested

Two men have been arrested over a firearms incident, one of two events in towns just north of Wellington that drew armed police this afternoon.

Inspector Renee Perkin, the Kāpiti-Mana area commander, said police were in Tītahi Bay, Porirua to execute a search warrant.

“At around 2pm, officers observed a car with two men in it, which has since been confirmed as a stolen car.

“As officers were speaking to the men, one was observed with a firearm. One man has been arrested and a firearm has been recovered.”

Police arrested a second man a short time later, Perkin said.

One of the men, 33, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. Another man, 25, was changed with breach of bail.

They were both due before the Porirua District Court tomorrow.

A local resident said there were “heaps of cops” and about 13 police cars blocking Grays Rd at the bottom of Pope St.

The woman, who lives in nearby Mo St, said her street was also blocked by armed police.

Another woman said there were multiple police cars on Grays Rd.

Police gathered on Grays Rd, Plimmerton.

Police have also blocked off Owhiti St in Titahi Bay, where they first saw the stolen car.

Another witness said there were ambulances parked up with police.

A Wellington Free Ambulance spokeswoman referred all questions to police.

Perkin said the police investigation was ongoing and additional staff were continuing to work in the Porirua area.

Meanwhile, uniformed officers as well as the Armed Offenders Squad members were in Plimmerton in force.