Woman Arrested After Daylight Shooting at Wellington Flats

A woman has been arrested following a shooting incident at the Pukehinau flats in central Wellington on Sunday, March 10, 2024. The shooting occurred in broad daylight, resulting in one person being injured after jumping from a balcony in an attempt to escape a masked assailant wielding a shotgun.

According to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, the incident unfolded around 15:30 local time. The suspect, wearing a balaclava, approached the victim’s flat, leading to an altercation. “The victim has run off. The suspect, we believe, has chased him down a hallway and then discharged a shotgun down the balcony towards the victim,” stated Leitch.

Witnesses reported hearing the gunfire, which caused immediate panic among residents of the social housing block. Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene, where the injured individual was treated before being transported to a nearby hospital. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.

This violent episode has raised concerns regarding safety in the area, particularly in social housing environments. Local authorities are keen to understand the sequence of events leading up to the shooting and have urged any witnesses to come forward with information.

Detective Leitch confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with police actively reviewing security footage from the vicinity. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will pursue all leads available to us,” he added.

The arrest of the woman is a significant step in the investigation, and police are expected to provide further updates in the coming days. Residents are left shaken but relieved that action has been taken swiftly. The community is now looking for reassurance from law enforcement as they process the aftermath of this unsettling incident.