A pensioner disputes claims he fired an air rifle at youths hanging around his property in Wanganui.
Terry Taylor, 67, says he brandished an unloaded slug gun to warn off vandals who had been damaging a "For Sale" sign at his house.
Mr Taylor says vandals have been targeting the sign for months.
Police in Wanganui say they were called to the scene by a witness who claimed shots had been fired.
Mr Taylor says he had no idea what was going on when armed police ordered him to leave his house.
Mr Taylor says he was told by police if there was anything in his hands, he risked being shot. He says he was merely holding the gun and claims that he fired it are not true.
Sergeant Cathy Dalton says the gun was confiscated at the scene and inquiries are continuing.
Police say no charges have yet been laid over the incident, which happened on 25 February.
