The 340m stretch remains heavily guarded by armed police. Video / Hayden Woodward
A man was shot and killed on Ponsonby Rd about 10.15pm last night.
Police confirmed the suspect was on foot, after three people earlier told the Herald they believed it was a drive-by shooting.
Police are carrying out a homicide investigation and speaking to a number of witnesses.
People near the scene last night reported hearing what they thought were fireworks going off before realising what had happened.
Workers in the area say they feel scared and on edge. The road is expected to remain closed until mid-morning.
A Ponsonby Rd worker said he saw a man lying on the footpath after being gunned down in central Auckland last night.
The man, who didn’t want to be named, said he’d worked on Ponsonby Rd for 30 years and was feeling “shaky” about returning to work this morning after seeing the brutal slaying last night.
“I saw the body, there was only one shot,” he told the Herald.
There was screaming and shouting after the man was shot, he said.
Police have launched a homicide investigation following death of a man last night, and are seeking the person who they believe is responsible.
Emergency services responded to reports of a firearm being discharged outside an address on Ponsonby Rd around 10.18pm, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton of Auckland City CIB said in a statement this morning.
The man was found dead when they arrived, Bolton said.
“Our investigation is now in the early stages to determine the full circumstances of what has occurred.”
At least two dozen armed police descended on the scene not long after 10.20pm. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Some two dozen armed police officers descended on the street from all directions last night, according to a Herald photographer, who said the police Eagle helicopter was also circling overhead.
He said the shooting appeared to have happened on the footpath outside of Glengarry Wines, near the well-known Bhana Brothers dairy.
A hearse arrived at the scene at 1.50am, and the man’s body was taken away shortly after.
A specialist team of detectives and a police forensic photographer were working through the scene through the night.
Police examine the scene of a fatal shooting on Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Detective Bolton said a scene guard will remain in place today and locals can expect to see more police in the area. Police are still making enquiries to find the person who is believed to be responsible.
”Police have been in the area overnight speaking to a number of witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time of the incident,” Bolton said.
”While at this stage, no arrests have been made, police are following lines of enquiry.”
A post-mortem examination and formal identification of the victim will be carried out over the coming days.
Anyone else who was in the area or had information that could help should contact police on 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using reference file number 240506/9353. They can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A specialist team of detectives and a forensic photographer were conducting a scene examination overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward
‘One shot ring out, and then all hell broke loose’
A man who had been on the dancefloor of a bar near the scene of the shooting said people rushed outside after hearing the bangs.
“I thought they were fireworks and all of sudden people rushed outside,” he said.
He stayed inside and when he left he saw the road flooded with cop cars and officers.
A local who lives close by said he heard “one shot ring out, and then all hell broke loose”.
He was having a drink at the Chapel Bar, but left at 10pm.
He said the street was often packed on Sunday nights with those attending “Sunday sessions” and there was a lot of music and dancing last night.
Chapel bar co-owner Kyle Anderson said he understood the shooting was a drive-by and two bouncers from his venue went to attend to the victim shortly after the shots were fired.
A woman working in a local business just down the road said she was feeling “quite nervous” this morning.
She said she was felt “unsafe” walking around Auckland after this recent development in the crime wave.
“You don’t know what’s happening around you or what’s going to happen next,” she said.
“It’s not safe, you have to be careful all the time.”
Road closed, detours in place
Ponsonby Rd remains closed to all traffic and pedestrians between Franklin Rd and the intersection of Picton St and Richmond Rd, Auckland Transport said this morning.
All traffic, including buses, are being diverted from that section of road, and delays are expected in the area.
The 340m stretch of road remains heavily guarded by armed police.
PONSONBY RD, PONSONBY - 6:15AM Due to a Police incident a section of Ponsonby Rd, between Richmond Rd & Franklin Rd, is currently CLOSED. Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services. ^TP pic.twitter.com/GI5QnUM0Bh
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) May 5, 2024
