A man was spotted pulling a gun out of his pants in Paihia's town centre early this morning. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
A gang member has been arrested in Paihia overnight after an eagle-eyed camera operator spotted him pulling something suspicious out of his pants.
Senior Sergeant Mark Barratt said a CCTV operator based in Kaitāia saw a man on Paihia's main street take a gun out of his trousers just after 2am on Tuesday.
Barratt said the man held it on camera for a few seconds before adjusting it and popping it back down his pants.
Police sent to the location found the man nearby, and while they did not locate a gun they did find equipment for using the drug methamphetamine.
Enquiries to find the alleged firearm were continuing.
Barratt praised the work of the Kaitāia-based CCTV crew.
"This was great work by the camera operator who as part of proactive prevention has observed this male, and we were able to locate and charge him. We will continue to act on this sort of information to keep our communities safe."
Barratt said the 37-year-old patched Black Power member had been charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm and possessing utensils for methamphetamine.
Court documents show Stephen Hellier of Karetu, near Kawakawa, appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on Tuesday.
He was due back for a list hearing on 27 May.
Court documents also show the alleged firearm was a pistol.
It was not the first time someone has been arrested in Paihia with an offensive weapon down their pants.
On 2 February this year, police patrolling Paihia as part of the annual Operation Waitangi recognised a wanted man walking down Selwyn Road.
While he as being arrested, the surprised officers discovered a machete down his pants.
