KEY POINTS:
A man appeared in court today charged with firing a shotgun and aggravated robbery yesterday at Tokoroa in south Waikato.
The 39-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated robbery and discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He appeared in Tokoroa District Court today and was remanded in custody to reappear on January 19.
Police were called out to a block of flats in Clyde Street about 11am after shots were heard.
One of the flats' occupants appeared to have been the victim of a failed extortion attempt during which a sawn off shotgun was pointed at him, police said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce said it was thought the gun was fired twice during a struggle for control over the weapon. No-one was injured.
Members of the Rotorua Armed Offenders squad as well as police from Taupo and Tokoroa searched two properties and arrested the 39-year-old man. A firearm was also recovered.
An 18-year-old Tokoroa man was later also arrested and charged with receiving the victim's stolen vehicle and was bailed to appear in Tokoroa District Court on Wednesday.
A 16-year-old found in the vehicle with had been referred to youth aid, poice said.
- NZHERALD STAFF
