The alleged assault followed an altercation on Pegasus Tce shortly after 7pm, with the offender then leaving the scene, McNaughton said.
He said the alleged attacker was still missing.
"Based on the information received, police made follow-up inquiries last night relating to a person of interest for this matter who is known to Police.
"Inquiries were made at a Gulf Harbour address to locate this individual, however they were not present. Police did recover two firearms from the address," McNaughton said.
Residents were left scared and confused after being told to "stay inside and keep away from the windows" while police moved through streets with squad car sirens on and flashing torches.
"Police were asking people to open the boots of their car to see if they had someone hiding inside," one witness told the Herald.
He said he was driving home from work last night when police stopped him and wouldn't let him within 500m of his street.
"I was parked there for a couple of hours before police let me through.
"My mum was messaging, saying police were shining lights and wouldn't let them go near the windows, they were scared."
Roseville Rd and Admiralty Rise were reportedly blocked off while police carried out their search.
"Blocking off streets around us ... getting buzzed by the police chopper ... lots of sirens for two hours," another person said on Facebook.
Police say inquiries are ongoing today in relation to the whereabouts of the alleged attacker.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact Waitemata Police on 105 quoting 200806/5312 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
