Police swarmed a Dargaville street with dogs and a helicopter last night and arrested a man who allegedly fired a shotgun into a garage.
Officers were called to Ranfurly St at 6.40pm after reports of a family harm incident.
Whangārei-Kaipara area commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom said it was reported the man had pulled out a firearm before firing a shot into an unoccupied garage on the property.
"Our staff responded into the area, and took this man into custody."
Nordstrom said the community should not be alarmed.
"Police would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, involving parties known to each other, and police will continue enquiries in the area today," she said.
A local resident told 1News nearby residents intervened and disarmed the man before police arrived.
The neighbour described a tense scene as police cordoned off the road and a helicopter circled overhead for close to an hour.
"We were worried sick, both because we thought he might try to hide in our yards or break in, and also because we didn't know if anyone would be hurt or shot,” she said.
“This is a small community, lots of our family live close by, so we were also worried waiting for news everyone was safe."
A 37-year-old man will appear in the Whangārei District Court today charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm, discharging a firearm in a public place, discharging a firearm to intimidate and presenting a firearm at a person.
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