Four People Shot at Waitārere Beach Address in Critical Late-Night Incident
A shooting at a residence in Waitārere Beach has left three people in critical condition and claimed the life of one individual, prompting an immediate police response in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The incident unfolded shortly after midnight when emergency services received a 111 call at approximately 12:40am reporting that a firearm had been discharged at the property on Waitarere Beach Road.
Location of the shooting / Google Maps
Upon arrival at the scene, responding officers discovered four people with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Among those found was an adult woman and two older teenage males, all presenting with critical injuries requiring immediate medical intervention. The woman was transported by ambulance to Palmerston North Hospital, while both male teenagers were airlifted to Wellington Hospital by helicopter due to the severity of their conditions.
A fourth person present at the address was found to be physically unharmed by the shooting. This individual is being provided with comprehensive support services as they cope with the trauma of witnessing the incident.
Police located a firearm at the scene, which has been secured as evidence. Authorities have indicated that they are not pursuing any additional suspects in connection with the shooting, suggesting the incident was contained to those present at the residence. However, law enforcement maintained a visible presence in the surrounding area as the investigation progressed.
A forensic examination of the property commenced during daylight hours following the initial response. Investigators are in the preliminary stages of their inquiry, working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome.
The incident has deeply affected the local Waitārere Beach community and surrounding Manawatū district. Emergency personnel who responded to the initial distress call faced a particularly confronting scene that underscored the severity of the situation they encountered. Police have pledged to release additional information as their investigation develops and further details become available through official channels.