A search is underway in a Taupō forest after a man fired a gun at police during a routine vehicle stop early this morning.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Bay of Plenty district commander superintendent Andy McGregor said the incident happened at Poeto Valley Road in the Tauhara Forest at about 2am.
The man ran from the scene.
The firearm thought to have been used in the incident has been found and armed police and the Eagle helicopter are searching for the man.
Police do not think there is any immediate danger to the public but an area of the forest has been cordoned off and people are being told to stay away.
Motorists on State Highway Five near Mt Tauhara are being asked to phone 111 if they see anyone hitchhiking in the area.