A 40-year-old man has been arrested after an altercation outside Wellington Hospital yesterday, which ended with a gun being fired.
Police said the man had been taken into custody for allegedly threatening a person with a machete.
In a statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said a person was threatened with a machete by the driver of a white Ford Ranger at around 5pm on Wednesday evening at a motor lodge opposite the entrance to the hospital on Riddiford St.
"The person threatened retrieved a firearm from nearby and, along with an associate, got into a grey Mitsubishi Colt driving into the hospital carpark opposite the emergency department entrance.
"They then drove the wrong way up the main vehicle exit stopping outside the main hospital entrance at 5.16pm where the Ford Ranger was now parked.
"A further confrontation occurred between the occupants of the two vehicles before a firearm was discharged towards the Ford Ranger."
After the shooting, those involved immediately left the scene.
Police have made one arrest but are still searching for a second person. (Source: 1News)
Police were continuing to make inquires to locate the second person involved in the incident, Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said.
“This type of behaviour is not something police expect or tolerate, especially near a hospital where people are vulnerable and should feel safe.”
A scene examination outside the motor lodge where the altercation began was due to be completed today.
Leitch said police remain interested in hearing from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the vehicles involved.
"The incident occurred in a very busy public place and a number of witnesses including hospital visitors and taxis were close by at the time."
"Initial indications suggest those involved were known to each other and there is not an immediate threat to the wider public."
The man in custody was due to appear in Wellington District Court on Friday charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
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