KEY POINTS:
Two "heroic" staff at a Nelson Placemakers may have saved a colleague's life by tackling a gunman who opened fire in the store.
A man arrested after the incident is today due to appear in the Nelson District Court to face charges of attempted murder, using a firearm in the commission of a crime, drink-driving and driving while disqualified.
Police say the alleged gunman approached a female staff member with a .22 calibre rifle and fired a shot.
Two male colleagues of the woman, who were with her in a staff "smoko" area about 12.30pm yesterday, leapt on the armed man and wrestled him to the ground.
They held him for several minutes until police arrived. No-one was injured.
Police said the female staff member who was confronted knew the man, but had no other relationship with him.
The two men who tackled the gunman were too upset to talk about their exploits.
But Nelson police area commander, Inspector Brian McGurk, said it was clear the actions of the pair were "heroic".
Placemakers said it was proud of their staff's brave efforts.
General manager of human resources, Jo Martell said: "Our main concern at this point is the welfare of the Placemakers staff and small number of customers who were in the store at the time".
Support was being offered onsite to anyone who was affected.
The Placemakers store was partially re-opened yesterday after the shooting, but staff were still in shock.
The area of the store where the shooting occurred will stay closed until police finished their investigation.
