11 Jun 2012

Woman charged after police shooting incident

6:26 pm on 11 June 2012

A woman accused of being involved in an incident in which a police officer was shot at has appeared in court in Auckland and been bailed.

Nadia Ball, 20, was arrested in South Auckland overnight on Sunday. Police are still seeking gang member Murray Toleafoa who is accused of firing at the officer.

Murray Toleafoa.

Murray Toleafoa. Photo: NZ POLICE

Murray Toleafoa was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped in Mayoral Drive about 1am on Friday, when police say he fired at the constable at close range with what looked like a police-issue Glock pistol.

The constable was not hit, but sustained burns to his forearm from the proximity of the shot.

Nadia Ball, allegedly the driver of the car, has been charged with being a party to the unlawful possession of a pistol.

She appeared in Auckland District Court on Monday morning and was released on bail and placed on a 24-hour curfew.

Ms Ball's lawyer Ross Mansfield says she will defend the charge.

Search continues for alleged gunman

Detective Inspector Scott Beard told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report programme that police will keep searching for Murray Toleafoa and again urged him to give himself up.

"It's just better for him and everyone all round. Obviously, because of the risk involved, we will at times use our Armed Offenders Squad and we don't want anything to end tragically. We just want to get this resolved."

Search warrants have been executed on his Glen Innes home and at homes in Otara where his Tribesmen gang associates live.

Police said on Monday they have information suggesting Mr Toleafoa is hiding out with friends in motels or homes and are warning motel proprietors to remain vigilant.

Mr Beard also warned the 30-year-old's family, friends and associates that they could face prosecution if they are hiding him.

He says Murray Toleafoa is extremely dangerous and members of the public should not approach him if they see him.

Border authorities have been placed on alert as a precaution.