A police car was hit by a bullet during a pursuit after an aggravated robbery at a Bay of Plenty petrol station on Sunday.
The officer driving the car was unhurt after the bullet struck the front of the vehicle.
Detective Sergeant Ross Everest said he was concerned about the
offenders' "desperate" behaviour.
"Shooting at a Police officer and car is an extremely serious offence and reflects the somewhat desperate nature of the three offenders," he said.
Two men entered the Shell Service Station at Riverslea Mall, Edgecumbe, about 12.45pm on Sunday, one of them pointing a firearm at two staff and customers, forcing them to lie on the floor.
Mr Everest said the men took cash and left in a stolen vehicle driven by a third man waiting outside the station.
The silver/grey Nissan Pulsar hatchback - registration TP7992 - was driven down College Hill where it was spotted by a police officer in a patrol car, who turned around and chased it.
"The officer was forced to pull back from the chase when one of the occupants of the stolen vehicle pointed a firearm and shot at the patrol car," police said in a statement.
The car continued into Westbank road and was later found abandoned on the stop bank of the Rangitaiki River.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle or its occupants before or after the aggravated robbery, or during its travels down College and Westbank Road,," Mr Everest said.
Witnesses to the robbery and chase and any one with information on the offenders should contact Whakatane Police Station on 07 3085255.
- NZHERALD STAFF
