No regrets as shop shooter awaits fate

Zhuo Feng Jiang. Photo / Alan Gibson

Police are yet to decide whether to charge a Chinese takeaway shop worker who took a gun from a masked robber threatening his family.

Zhuo Feng Jiang, of Aotea Chinese Restaurant and Takeaways in Tokoroa, says he does not regret his actions on Monday night because he was acting in self defence.

"I was protecting myself and my family and I think that's not a problem."

The 26-year-old hid in the shop chiller when he heard a man's voice demanding money from his mother and cousin, who were behind the counter.

He jumped on the man's back when he walked past the chiller door and, with the help of his 20-year-old cousin, managed to wrestle him out of the shop.

The gunman fell to the ground and Mr Jiang took hold of the rifle and fired two shots, one of which allegedly hit the man's right leg.

Police will be looking at whether Mr Jiang is liable to be prosecuted under the Arms Act.

Mr Jiang - whose family moved to New Zealand from Canton, China in 2001 - said he had spoken to a lawyer about the case. "If they charge me or they want to put me in court, I will pass to my lawyer."

He had received much support from the community over his actions, he said. "I've had [support from] customers and many phone calls from other towns and cities ... Most people think 'Well done'."

The takeaway shop was open for business yesterday.

"Everybody's back to normal," Mr Jiang said. "Everybody's working today."

Police arrested the alleged robber at a Tokoroa address on Tuesday night. He was found with a gunshot wound to his leg. The 29-year-old was taken to Waikato Hospital and a bedside court sitting is being organised.

He had been charged with assault with intent to rob, commission of a crime with a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A 30-year-old man was also arrested and charged with being an accessory after the fact and appeared in Tokoroa District Court yesterday.