Hunt for Wellington gunman over

A 21-year-old man who pulled a gun on a police officer at a Lower Hutt traffic checkpoint this morning has turned himself in to police.

A manhunt began about 9.30am after the man pointed a handgun at the officer during a routine vehicle stop in Naenae, before fleeing on foot.

He voluntarily turned himself in to the Lower Hutt police station shortly after 6pm tonight and was now being questioned by officers, Inspector Geoff Gwyn said .

"The important thing is that today's search, which lasted about nine hours, is now over," Mr Gwyn said.

"It's been a worrying and long day for many people including the public, Lower Hutt police and the armed offenders squad.

"We've put a lot of effort into background inquiries and searching addresses."

Earlier today, Mr Gwyn said the man was connected to gangs .

- © Fairfax NZ News