Police say a shooting where a man was killed and three others were seriously injured in Auckland’s Grey Lynn last night was an escalation of an “ongoing neighbourhood dispute” between two groups.
Armed officers were called to an address on Tuarangi Rd after multiple 111 calls reported a “firearm being discharged” shortly before 7pm.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said a man was located with critical injuries at the scene.
“Despite efforts of those at the scene, he succumbed to his injuries.”
Two people presented at Auckland City Hospital with gunshot wounds, and a third man was brought to the Auckland Central Police Station to be spoken with as part of the investigation.
“While speaking with him, it was discovered that he too had been shot and medical assistance was sought for him.
“He was transported to the hospital and it is understood the three men will undergo surgery today.”
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said the community would be undoubtedly anxious about the “shocking display of violence”. (Source: 1News)
Baldwin said the investigation is progressing and police are “building a picture of what led to the violent events”.
“What we know at this point is an altercation was taking place between two groups that led to a firearm being discharged.
“Immediately after the shots were discharged, those who were present fled the area.”
Baldwin said both groups appear to be known to each other and that there were criminals involved. He estimated that “over a dozen” people were present.
“We believe this relates to an ongoing neighbourhood dispute. This dispute escalated last night and someone has tragically lost their life in a shocking display of violence.”
He confirmed the altercation began out the front of a property and that the man died on the road side.
Baldwin also said police were making inquiries into a report of wilful damage to a house on Tuarangi Rd earlier in the afternoon.
Previous incidents reported to police, including broken windows on vehicles and houses, would also form part of the wider investigation, he added.
“The first possible linked incident could go back as far as March, we need to unpack that some more. There is certainly an incident on August 16, a man has been charged with burglary in regards to that matter.”
Baldwin said earlier today: “We know this will have been a shock to the community, however we would like to reassure them this appears to be an isolated incident.”
He said that “at this stage the risk to the wider public is minimal”, adding scene guards will remain at the property today while an examination is completed and people in the area should expect a heightened police presence in the coming days.
“At this stage, police are not in a position to release details of the deceased, however we will look to provide these details in due course.
“It is vital that anyone with information gets in contact with us at the earliest opportunity.”
Anyone who could help was urged to call 105 and reference Operation Comma.
Fourth homicide within two weeks
Police told 1News that this was the fourth homicide investigation in the Auckland City District within a two-week period, since August 24.
The first occurred on Tomuri Pl, near Sylvia Park in Auckland’s Mount Wellington at 1.31pm on August 31.
That same evening on August 31, another homicide investigation was launched after a man was fatally shot on Selwyn St in Auckland’s Onehunga.
The third homicide included in the total was the death of beloved entomologist Stephen Thorpe, who was fatally stabbed near a tennis club in Auckland’s Blockhouse Bay on August 24.
The most recent homicide in Grey Lynn on September 5 brought the total to four.
