(File photo) Photo: 123rf
Two men have been arrested after police say shots were fired at officers in Hamilton.
An 18-year-old and a 22-year-old were arrested after police initially responded to reports of people attempting to steal a car in Hamilton East, early on Tuesday morning, a police spokesperson said.
They face charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop, using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The call about an attempted vehicle theft on Beaumont Street led officers to respond to the area about 12.15am on Tuesday, a police statement said.
They found a 'vehicle of interest', but the driver did not stop after being signalled to pull over.
The tyres were spiked but the driver continued driving, with the officers 'monitoring', the spokesperson said.
"While a police car followed the vehicle at a distance, a firearm was discharged on two occasions.
"Two rounds of ammunition have hit the patrol car, but thankfully the officers weren't injured. There was minor damage to the police vehicle."
The vehicle police had been following was found on Matangi Road about 12.30am. A shotgun was also found, they said.
The two men were found shortly afterward and were remanded in custody, scheduled to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Wednesday 26 April.
Waikato investigations manager Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said any incident where shots were fired at police was concerning.
"Offenders who attempt to evade police put themselves and others at risk of harm.
"Fast action and quick thinking by police officers allowed us to apprehend two suspects, without anyone being injured."
He praised the caller who reported the initial incident, and reminded people to call 111 if a crime was in progress or 105 after the fact: "This is a good example of why it is essential to report any suspicious activity to police as soon as possible, as what may seem minor can lead to more serious offending."