A man appeared in court today charged with firing a shotgun and aggravated robbery yesterday at Tokoroa in south Waikato.
The 39-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated robbery and discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He appeared in Tokoroa District Court today, and has been remanded in custody to reappear on January 19.
Police were called to a block of flats in Clyde Street at 11am yesterday after shots were fired.
One of the occupants of the flats was the victim of a failed extortion attempt, said Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce of Taupo CIB.
A firearm was discharged twice during a struggle to control the weapon, he said.
No one was injured.
The victim ran from his property, while the man stole his car.
Two other men were arrested in relation to the victim's car.
An 18-year-old Tokoroa man was found driving the victim's vehicle. He was arrested for receiving the stolen vehicle and has been bailed to appear in Tokoroa District Court on Wednesday.
A 16-year-old also found in the vehicle was referred to youth aid, said Mr Pearce.
