Man arrested for machete threat before shooting outside Wellington Hospital

A man has been arrested after an altercation in which a gun was fired near Wellington Hospital.

Police said the 40-year-old man had been detained for allegedly threatening the other person involved with a machete.

They were still trying to find the other person involved.

In a statement, Detective Sergeant Tim Leitch said the altercation began shortly after 5pm on Wednesday outside a vehicle shelter across the road from the hospital.

A person was threatened with a machete by a driver of a white Ford Range. Police said the vehicle had been found and was undergoing forensic examination.

Leitch said the threatened person then grabbed a firearm and, along with another person, jumped into a gray Mitsubishi Colt and drove to the hospital parking lot, across from the emergency department entrance.

“They then drove in the opposite direction through the main vehicle exit and stopped outside the main entrance to the hospital at 5.16pm, where the Ford Ranger was now parked.

“Another confrontation occurred between the occupants of the two vehicles before a firearm was fired at the Ford Ranger.

“Both vehicles and their occupants immediately left the area.”

leitch said Midday report It was too early to say if it was gang-related, but the two people probably knew each other.

He said police were following leads and were also looking for the gray Mitsubishi Colt.

The arrested man is due to appear at Wellington District Court on Friday charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

Meanwhile, staff at Wellington Hospital said there was additional security.

A nurse at the hospital said the main reception was open on Thursday morning, but people had to use a bell to enter the wards and staff moving between wards had to use swipe cards.

Leitch said police wanted to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and saw the vehicles involved in the area.

“The incident occurred in a busy public place and several witnesses, including hospital visitors and taxis, were nearby at the time.

“Initial indications suggest that those involved knew each other and there is no immediate threat to the general public.”

Leith said there was a scene guard outside the hostel and there would be an increased police presence in the area.

Nico Chen runs Ascot Motel and has confirmed it is the motel police are referring to.

Chen said he saw a man with a gun running past the front desk Wednesday night before the shooting incident outside the hospital across the street.

He said he was sitting at the front desk when he saw a man with a gun running by, but he’s not sure if it was one of his guests.

Te Whatu Ora Capital Coast and Hutt Valley hospitals and specialist services group chief operating officer Jamie Duncan said RNZ staff who witnessed the incident were receiving support.

The police asked for more information, including photos or videos, to call 105 or make a report online.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.